Suffering 

We reflected on the verses in the book of James about the testing of faith that produces steadfastness (James 1:2-3) and God giving the crown of life to those who endure temptation and love Him (James 1:12).

In this world, we will have troubles like Jesus said (John 16:33) because Satan who rules the world (John 12:30-32) and is the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) is capable of wreaking havoc in our lives by causing sickness, temptations, persecutions, failures, blindness to the power of God, disappointments and even causing natural calamities like he did for Job.

If our faith is based on Sunday sermons and entertaining worship experiences and we believe in the prosperity gospel, even the lightest of storms will unravel our existence leading to depression and frustration. We need to expect suffering, prepare for it, and trust and remain steadfast in the Lord. This can happen through a lifestyle of dependence on God and developing trust by consistent meditation on His word. When we do this, the Holy Spirit reminds us when we need guidance. The preacher shared an instance in his life where he and his wife were comforted and reminded of God’s word by the Holy Spirit when their son meet with a nearly fatal accident.

Satan is of course the ruler of the world but like Daniel declared (Daniel 2:20-22), God can change times and seasons. Jesus told Peter that Satan wanted to test each of them but He prayed for him to repent and then strengthen the brothers (Luke 22:31–32). Can we pray the same for ourselves? Roman 8:31-39 reminds of God’s wonderful love for us that no power can separate us from and the fact that if God is for us, who can be against us? 

Devil brings condemnation when we fail to serve God but as His people we need to remind ourselves of His unfailing love in every situation. We need to know that we are victors through Christ and unless God allows suffering in our lives, nothing can happen. God gives us the strength and prepares us for anything that the enemy brings. This is so that we can clearly see His purpose in our lives. Joseph went through a lot of suffering but he trusted God and was ready when the challenges came; even Jesus was ready to face suffering. We need to do the same.