Category Archives: Spiritual Endurance

Spiritual Endurance

Spiritual Endurance: Faith to Persevere

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Perseverance and faith

To persevere requires one to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement. This requires not only spiritual power but also faith.  Our friends and family try to reassure us by telling us to “hang in there” or “tough it out” but unfortunately, encouraging words do not always succeed in moving us forward.

That is where “persevering faith” comes in.  Not “saving faith” that we associate with our initial salvation, but the ability to see through difficulties and press forward for the prize (Philippians 3:14).  I’m talking about “the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Faith that perseveres looks to the future and visualizes the promises of God, in all their fullness.  It was this “forward looking faith” that helped the Faith Hall of Famers to persevere.

“Having seen the promises afar off.”

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  Hebrews 11:13  (NKJ)

The word “promises” is a metonymy—a figure of speech in which one word is substituted for another with which it is closely associated.  The word “promises” is a metonymy for the “things promised.”

Literally, the Faith Hall of Famers “had received” their individual promises—whether it be deliverance from destruction, children to a barren couple, or a future homeland (vv. 10, 14,16). The “things promised” were the spiritual blessings of the dispensation of grace and their future heavenly inheritance.

Each one died in the firm expectation of the promised Messiah and in believing views of the heavenly glory.  In their “mind’s eye”, they had an inner awareness of what the promises meant—in all their “fullness.”

“…were persuaded of them and embraced them.”

To be “persuaded” means to convince someone to believe something and to act on the basis of what is recommended. In this case, it is God who provided the promises.

The Hall of Famers confidently believed based on the veracity of God.  To “embrace” means to salute or greet.   Based on God’s assurance, they “eagerly welcomed” (versus acquiesced to) their destiny. They moved forward with full confidence.

“confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

To “confess” implies expressing openly one’s allegiance to a proposition or person. The Faith Hall of Famers desired more than this world had to offer, especially after seeing the promises afar off.

They fixed their eyes on those things which are above where Christ is seated (Colossians 3:1).  If they regarded themselves daily as earthlings, they would not have retained the vision of faith and may have been tempted to turn back.

Developing persevering faith

The order of the aforementioned verbs teaches us an important practical lesson on developing persevering faith.

First, we must envision the promises of God.  Then, based on the Giver of the promises, we confidently accept, believe, and rest on the reliability of God’s word. It is here that our faith becomes grounded.  Lastly, faith “sees” with understanding, is “persuaded” in the heart and “embraced” by the will.

In a society where instant gratification is the norm, faith that perseveres requires a daily commitment to “forward looking” faith.  This letter to the Hebrews was to press upon them and us, the critical need for a faith that would last, wear, overcome obstacles, and endure until the end.

Like the Faith Hall of Famers, the eyes of our heart must see the blessings God has promised and be persuaded that in due season, they will be ours.  We are to joyfully anticipate our future as opposed to present advantages.  Faith that perseveres single-mindedly looks to the future with an eye on the Provider who “according to His divine power has given us exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:3, 4).

Spiritual Endurance

Spiritual Endurance: The Power of Perseverance

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Spiritual endurance meets perseverance

If you were to ask me what character trait is critical for spiritual endurance, I would answer, “perseverance”.  And if you were to then ask me which character trait is the most difficult to master, I would answer again, “perseverance.”

Webster defines perseverance as the “act of continued, patient effort.” While many preachers and teachers typically stress the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as traits worth nurturing, I’d like to spend time exploring a spiritual trait of equal importance in meriting our attention. Perseverance.

Our world meets perseverance

The term perseverance communicates the idea of overcoming, energetic resistance, steadfastness under pressure, and endurance in the face of trial. To persevere means to be “constantly diligent and persistent”.

Perseverance requires us to push through our pain and fear even when the challenge is daunting and difficult. It is more than “stick-to-it-ness”.  It calls for believers to see past the current barrier, temptation, or persecution (1 Corinthians 4:17-18).

The world we live in today is marked by rapid change, growing uncertainty, deep divisions, and an urgent search for truth, hope, and stability. We live in a world of remarkable human progress but profound spiritual and moral challenges. While we have gained unprecedented access to knowledge, technology, and material resources, we continue to struggle with timeless issues of truth, love, justice, peace, and righteousness. How then are we to persevere in this environment?

Perseverance meets reality

Spiritual perseverance has its basis in two realities: (1) our hope and (2) the Holy Spirit.

Our hope is based on confidence in God’s goodness and care.  It relies on the fact that God loves us (Psalms 63:3) and that “He that began a good work in us can perform it (Philippians1:6).

Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, we develop courage and boldness to overcome persecution and temptations (Acts 4:31). The Holy Spirit stands ready to empower us to meet the challenges we face (1 John 4:4). It is in His power that we can remain faithful   in the midst of temptation and persecution (Romans 14:4).

Stand firm and persevere

Where do we need more power to persevere?  Even the Apostle Paul had to learn to persevere.  It was during his time of trial and personal weakness that he learned how to place his hope firmly on God and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].  2 Corinthians 12:7-9,  (Amplified)

Stand firm in our hope in God.  Energetically serve God. Resist and overcome sin. Call upon the power of the Holy Spirit to help live a life of personal holiness and service. Let us be diligent and steadfast in our walk of faith. We have access to all the power we need to persevere.

Spiritual Endurance

Are You Spiritually Fit? Part 1

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A Christian's Guide to Weight Training

Training for the Journey

While physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  1 Timothy 4:8   (NRS)

For the last 90 days, I’ve been on a journey to wellness.  It began as a result of a minor physical irritation that eventually developed into a major restructure of my diet and exercise commitment.

One of the new tools I now use to assist me in developing a healthier lifestyle is my FitBit, a wireless, activity tracker that continually monitors and measures data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate, quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal health metrics.

Do we need a spiritual Fitbit?

Imagine if we had a “spiritual” Fitbit that would do the same.  What  data could be gathered to indicate our spiritual fitness?

Fitness is defined as the state or condition of being “qualitied” for a specific purpose, physically or intellectually.  This is the definition we’re most familiar with seeing, however there is also an expansion of that definition to include “suitability and appropriateness”.

Spiritual is that which deals with the part of man that extends beyond the physical and is eternal in nature.  It exists forever, even when the physical body ceases to live (Hebrew 9:27).

I’d like to use both definitions to put forth the proposition that in order to be spiritually fit, as believers we need to be both “qualified” and “suitable” for the purpose that God has designated for our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

Spiritual fitness is the state or condition of being qualified and suitable for the purpose that God has identified for believers both individually and as the collective Church. 

The disciple Peter was spiritually “unqualified” when Jesus identified him as key to the building of His future Church (Matthew 16:18).  However, after “the testing of Calvary”,  the Apostle Paul was more than “suitable” for “the purpose of Pentecost” (Acts 2:14).

Why care?

As believers, we should be concerned with our spiritual fitness in the  21st century.   Why?  But before I answer that question,  I have prepared a simple assessment to help you “check” your spiritual fitness.

(1) Do you feel spiritually weak and defeated in your efforts to walk holy?

(2) Do you find your choices and life style inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus the Christ?

(3) Is it becoming increasingly more difficult to living out your walk of faith?

If you answered yes to any of these three (3) questions, then it’s time to work on your spiritual fitness. See you next week.

Spiritual Endurance

Wilderness Living 2025

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Experiencing Wilderness Living

Are we experiencing wilderness living?   I’m not talking about a survival challenge where one willingly goes into the wilderness to test their mental and physical endurance.  This wilderness experience is usually thought of as tough times in which we endure major trials and tribulation.  During such times, we are unable to enjoy life because of the unceasing stress and strain over conditions in which we have no control.  Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

Our current world is presenting us with challenges we have never faced before.  These events, without a doubt, test our mental, physical, and spiritual endurance. It feels like a bad dream repeated on a continuous loop.

Struggles for power, influence, and control have resulted in strife and evil of every type—locally, nationally, and internationally.  James must have had these times in mind when he wrote: “Where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).  Such is the case with “Wilderness Living 2025”.

God revealed during wilderness living 

For the nations of Israel, living in captivity in Babylon and Assyria was their experience with “wilderness living.”  For seventy (70) years they were removed from those things which they loved the most—their land, their temple, and most importantly, their God.  But God, through His prophet Isaiah, sent words of consolation to Israel during their wilderness experience.  He promised to do a new thing (Isaiah 43:16-19).

New in Hebrew means to renew, rebuild, or repair.  During these times of uncertainty and chaos all three actions are needed.   Our minds need to be renewed versus being conformed to the insanity of the world (Romans 12:1-2).  We need to rebuild and repair our relationships (Romans 12:17-18).  We are divided by so many things—our political views, our racial makeup, our economic position.  Satan has used these factors to polarize us and negate Jesus’ mandate to love one another (Matthew 5:43-44).

God promised Israel that He would not only renew, rebuild, and repair that which was loss during the exile, but He would also, do the impossible— “make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”  God would revive Israel physically and spiritually.

Through our wilderness experience, God is CONTINUALLY renewing, rebuilding, and repairing our lives (Psalm 130:5).

Facing wilderness living  

Wilderness experiences are times in our lives when we feel powerless and lack those things that bring us happiness, contentment, and peace.  Wilderness living is different for everyone.

For some people wilderness living may be survival—inability to provide for physical and emotional needs. It may be relational—failed, estranged, or disappointing relationships.  For still others, wilderness living may be experiential—moments of personal loss, loneliness, or misfortune.  No two wildernesses are the same.

Our spiritual man may also feel strained.  Our faith is challenged as we try to make sense of what God is doing not only in the world but in our lives.  We feel alone and isolated.  We may even think God has left us and no longer hears our prayers.  Is God with us in our wilderness?  He answers, “Yes!”  It’s in His Word (Psalms 91:15; Isaiah 43:2; Isaiah 49:15).

Living in the wilderness

John Eldredge, New York Times bestselling author of “Resilient: Restoring your weary soul in these Turbulent Times” shares his thoughts about living in wilderness:

One of the first warnings Jesus gave us about living through [these] times was simply don’t “freak out”.  Unflappable Jesus, the most level-headed guy ever, simply refuse to get baited into any of the drama of his own day. And he urges us to be unflappable too. Jesus knew that everything was going to be shouting for our attention, trying to get us all spun up. It wears a soul down.  And there is a way out.  

 Regardless of our wilderness experience, we can ALWAYS trust God.  We can relinquish control to God’s sovereign will and His steadfast love (Psalm 18:1-3).   He cares about everything that keeps us awake at night—our family, our provision, and our future.  God will sustain us.  While we have no forecast as to where these times may lead us, we DO have the blessed assurance that God is with us and for us (Psalm 119:116).  As we strengthen our intimacy with Him, we will find true contentment, and peace, even during “Wilderness Living 2025” (Revelations 21:7).

Spiritual Endurance

The Spirit of Truth for the 21st Century

 

Truth’s Beginning

In our family, the truth was highly valued.  It was critical to raising children and instilling one of  the most important measurement of one’s character.

We were told to tell the truth even if it meant punishment.  Why?  Because we truly believed that a lie, which would ultimately be discovered,  carried grave consequences.   Guess what?  Lies still carry grave consequences especially in the 21st century when truth is not valued.

Truth Warning

John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the USA, shared the following observation about truth.

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived, and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.  

What are the myths we are embracing today?   In our personal lives, in our families, in our nation.   What are the persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic myths we are “choosing” to include in our belief systems and personal views?

The Apostle Paul warned his young minister Timothy of the dangers that await him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Truth today is often packaged in many forms.  Many are more speculation and creative editorializing, than substantive truth.  Because of this trend, it is important that believers have a “real-time” reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world.  While our primary guide is the Word of God, as we discussed last week, God has also provided another source—the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

The Source of Truth

Earlier we defined truth as that which agrees with reality. For the believer, our reality has been defined by what God has placed in His written Word.

For Jesus’ disciples, however, there was no written Word as they faced a hostile world without the presence of their Beloved Jesus (John 15:18-20).  It was Jesus’ presence that gave them the courage to challenge the spiritual tyranny of the religious leaders.  They would need God’s truth as they turned their focus to witnessing (Acts 1:8), baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19-20).

In John 14:16-16, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth that would abide with them forever.  It was the Holy Spirit Who would now come to live within them.  We generally think of the Holy Spirit in terms of gifting or empowering believers to accomplish the purposes and ministries of Christ.  However, the attribute Jesus chose to share with His disciples in John’s text focused on “truth”.  It would be the Spirit of Truth that would assist the disciples as they were persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of Truth-Yesterday, Today, and Forever

The Spirit of Truth would assist the disciples in accomplishing the “greater works” promised by Jesus (John 14:12).   Jesus was indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  After Jesus’ departure, the ministry of truth would continue because the Spirit of Truth.

Like the disciples of the first century, believers in the 21st century have the assistance of the Spirit of Truth to assist them especially in exposing the spirit of error.  The spirit of error is seen in the morays and life styles of the world.  For unbelievers, it leads them to be deceived and disobedient to the purposes of God in their life (Ep. 2:2).

For the believer, the spirit of error tempts them to doubt God truth and draw them away from the leading of the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:15).  The Spirit of Truth stands ready to silence the lies, myths and fables of the 21st century.  Our confidence lies in the promise, power, and presence of the Spirit of Truth.  He is our True Compass as we search for truth.

Spiritual Endurance

Can We Handle 21st Century Truth?

“…and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

John 8: 31-32 (NRSV)

Can we handle the truth?

Especially when that truth is measured against the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.   To walk in biblical truth while living in a postmodern world will be a major challenge for believers as we attempt to navigate 21st century living.

But can we handle it?  Behind the news bytes and sound bits, there is a deliberate movement underway to redefine what truth is and what it isn’t.  This is nothing new.  This inclination to “repackage” the truth comes directly from the father of lies, Satan himself (John 8:44).   We must be careful how we define truth, or we too may fall prey to the subtlety of deception.  “Did God really say you must not eat any of the fruit in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1)

What is truth?

Truth is defined as that which agrees with reality.    It is typically ascribed to things that aim to represent reality or otherwise correspond to it, such as beliefs, propositions, and declarative sentences.

True statements are usually held to be the opposite of false statements. The concept of truth is discussed and debated in various contexts, including philosophy, art, theology, law, and science. Most human activities depend upon the concept, where its nature as a concept is assumed rather than being a subject of discussion, including journalism and everyday life. In metaphysics and philosophy of language, the correspondence theory of truth states that the truth or falsity of a statement is determined only by how it relates to the world and whether it accurately describes (i.e., corresponds with) that world.[1]

Truth redefined

In the 21st century there is little understanding or agreement as to what truth really is.  As defined in the postmodern world, absolute truth does not exist. Supporters of this worldview deny long-held beliefs and conventions.  They maintain that all viewpoints are equally valid.  Other factors also have affected our view of truth.

Political posturing and social jockeying have taken the pursuit of truth to new levels.  Individuals and organizations utilize misinformation (the unintended sharing of false information) and disinformation (the deliberate creation and sharing of information known to be false) to influence advocacy and individual agendas.   Even institutions once deemed guardians of truth—media, government, business, and non-governmental organizations—are now viewed suspiciously.[2]

In decades past, we depended on the media to communicate the “truth” regarding specific issues of the day.  Newspapers, magazine publications and newscasters were committed to operating at the highest ethical standards.  Truth is now shaped by social media and image consultants—by the number of “likes”, “retweets” and “followers” one can amass.

We once trusted our leaders, civic or religious, to offer truth.  But over time confidence has eroded.  Truth is shaped or “redesigned” along political lines, personal agendas, and social bias.  This leaves us still “in search for truth”.

 The Believer’s Truth

For we believers, our truth and reality are grounded in God.  That reality began in the Garden of Eden.  Created in God’s image, our purpose and destiny are tied to our identity in Him through Christ (Colossians 3:3).  This reality was sidetracked by sin and replaced with Satan’s counterfeit that placed self on the throne where only Christ was to be seated and exalted.

Because of Jesus’ atoning work on the Cross, we affirm our faith and acknowledge that we have died to our old sin nature (Galatians 5:24) and walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).  We no longer follow the worldview.  Its influence was negated by the Blood.  Our meaning and reality are now realigned with God (2 Corinthians 5:15).   “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

More than ever before, believers must connect with the only True Source of Truth, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (John 14:6).  God’s Word and the Spirit of Truth stand ready to silence the lies, myths and fables we might hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4).  God is the only source of truth for 21st century living.  Can we handle that truth?

[1] Wikipedia

[2]  The  2020 Edelman Trust Barometer Global Report

Spiritual Endurance

Recapturing Our Thoughts

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Recapturing Our thoughts

A penny for your thoughts

Where is your mind leading you?  Most biblical teachers and preachers will agree that the battle for our faith begins with the mind.  It is here that Satan, the world, and our flesh continually attempt to exercise their influence and control.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, the Apostle Paul advises believers in Corinth to bring into obedience and compliance every thought that is not in agreement with God’s plan and purpose for their life.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

The J.B. Phillips New Testament paraphrase says it this way:

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive fantasy and every imposing defence that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We even fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.

Why is Paul’s teaching relevant today?

As we live in this 21st century, postmodern world, our Christian faith is being challenged daily.  In its place are worldviews that discount or exclude the truth of the gospel.

This is especially true in “these days” when we’re living with uncertainty in every area of our life.  Is there a better option for those who are desperately seeking answers for living in these tumultuous times?  People are seeking security and hope for the issues they face.  That can only be found in Jesus (John 14:6).

Believe it or not, we are a “modern day Paul”, who need to be bold in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  “We are not merely human agents but God-appointed ministers.”

What’s capturing our thoughts?

Satan invades our thoughts by planting seeds of doubt which left unchallenged or unchecked, will lead to disbelief and ultimately, disobedience.  Remember Eve?  “Did God really say that you couldn’t eat that apple?”  What began as doubt soon became disbelief.  The result was disobedience, shame, and regret.  Sound familiar?

The world pervades our thoughts by convincing us to conform to its lifestyles and beliefs. Paul warned the church at Rome not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2).  The world’s beliefs are characterized by the lust of the eyes— “I want what I see”; the lust of the flesh— “I live how I feel”; and the pride of life—“I value only what’s important to me” (1 John 2:16). The result is vanity and emptiness.

Our flesh persuades us by appealing to our physical and emotional desires.  Our flesh tempts us with words of deception— “If it feels good, do it.”  “You only go this way once, live life to the fullest.”  “You deserve whatever you want.”  Eve “saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate” (Genesis 3:6).  Her flesh deceived her. The result was the introduction of spiritual and physical death, expulsion from Paradise, and alienation from God.

Recapturing our thoughts

Bringing every thought captive to the obedience of God requires that we:

    • Accept our identity in Christ.  We are no longer obligated to follow the dictates of Satan, the world, and our flesh.  We have been set free by the blood of Christ and are no longer slaves to unrighteousness (Romans 6:12-14).
    • Believe the truth of God.  It is the truth of God that exposes the darkness of sin and its influence in our lives.  It is knowledge of this truth, in Him, that keeps Satan, the world, and our flesh at bay. You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
    • Commit to the lordship of Christ.  Our obedience is not based on fear of punishment when we sin.  Our obedience is our gift to the Lord.  We give it in gratitude for His gift of eternal life to us (John 3:16).  We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Let us daily use the powerful weapons God has provided for us to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  These weapons are not human but mighty in God.  God’s weapons are dunatos (doo-nat-os).  They are both powerful and capable.

Spiritual Endurance

Throwback Wednesday: Is God in Control? The God Who Sees.

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Throwback: Is God in Control?

Throwback is back

At the beginning of 2024, we kicked off Throwback Wednesday with, “Living in the Resurrection Power”.  It focused on the importance of remembering that we, as believers, have resurrection power as a result of being in Christ.  Very appropriate for beginning a new year.  The Holy Spirit is the source of resurrection power.  It is through His presence that we are empowered for service to the Lord (John 16:13-15).

Resurrection power is the supernatural power God used to raise Jesus from the grave (Ephesians 1:19-20). It is this same power that has delivered us from sin’s power and penalty (Romans 6:14).  Unfortunately, we are still left to navigate sin’s presence until Christ’s return, or our transition to heaven.

Living in a fallen world

We are now three months away from celebrating 2025. This year has flown by.  Now is a great time to assess how we are doing, considering we live in such tumultuous and perilous times.  My question to you is, “How do you feel?”  Does God’s presence (through His Holy Spirit) provide the peace and joy promised in His Word? (Romans 15:13)

Remember this, we are navigating our lives in a fallen world which is “sin-bent”.  By this I mean, the behavior of those living under the world’s sway are self-directed versus Christ-directed (1 John 2:16, 17).  We can neither forget nor ignore that reality.  The world’s influence can impact all aspects of our lives especially our spiritual and emotional well-being.

Remember!

Four things I want us to remember.  Let us drill them deep into our mind, heart, and soul.

  • Number 1. We are never alone.  We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.   (1 John 4:4)
  • Number 2. Remember our position in Christ.  We have everything we need. (2 Peter1:2-3)
  • Number 3. Keep your eyes on God.  Focus on His power versus the object of our fear.  (Deuteronomy 31:8)
  • Number 4. God is ALWAYS in control.   Our God still reigns in all His power (Psalm 125:2)

It is with this fourth faith belief in mind that I introduce our October Throwback Wednesday: “Is God really in control? Knowing the God who Sees.”   May this reading bring to our remembrance that regardless of the world around us, we are safe in God, Who sees.

Spiritual Endurance

Throwback Wednesday: Recapturing Our Thoughts

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Throwback Wednesday for a New Year

A Great Read

I recently finished a book which has proven very insightful for me as I strive to be “more conformed” to the image of my Lord and Savior.  The book is entitled, “Watchfulness: Rediscovering  a Lost Spiritual Discipline, by Brian G. Hedges.

Hedges proposes that Christians could benefit spiritually by exercising greater “vigilance or watchfulness”  over their hearts, minds, and souls.  Why?  To protect ourselves from Satan’s snares, the world’s bendings, and our flesh’s weakness.  We need to be more intentional.

Throwback connection

With this book I mind, I thought it would be a great refresher to revisit  for this Throwback Wednesday, “Recapturing Our Thoughts.”

Our thoughts are vulnerable to attack by the world and by Satan.  Our flesh is continually weakened by marketing and media; by every sound byte we listen to.

Begin your “watchfulness journey” by recapturing your thoughts.

Spiritual Endurance

Our Theology of Suffering: Where is God in our Suffering?

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Suffering Summary

We began our study on suffering by discussing its definition and its implication in the life of the believer.  While no one wants to suffer, it is a fact of life that we must manage every day. We mentioned early in the series how we try to alleviate our suffering. Living in a fallen world, however, we will experience some form of suffering.

We examined the practice of pain management and the strategies we use to ease our pain and suffering. For believers, we agreed that our pain management comes from our knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. Armed with that knowledge, we can live confidently, trusting in His goodness and His greatness. (Ps. 27: 1-3).

We concluded that having the right theology of suffering will help us to not only manage the pain, but also sustain us through our suffering.   Suffering is best managed first, by putting our trust in God and secondarily, by having a Christian worldview.

Where is God?

With all we’ve discussed about suffering to date, there is yet one question we have.  “Where is God in the midst of our suffering?”  Through the COVID pandemic, in natural disasters, and during mass shootings; with these and many more events in mind, where is God?  This is where the right theology of suffering is important.  

If we believe that God is our spiritual “Superman” who will rescue us from suffering, then we will always be disappointed. God loves us and is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. His glory and His power can best be recognized not in His rescuing us “from” our suffering BUT INSTEAD in His provision for us “during” our suffering. God is where He has always been and where He will always be—actively participating in our suffering. 

How does God participate in our suffering?   By sustaining us (Ps. 55:22; Phil. 4:19).  By strengthening us (Ps. 27:1; 2 Thess. 3:3).  By comforting us (John 14:7; 2 Cor. 1:3-5).  By providing and protecting us (Isa. 54:10).  God is not observing our suffering from afar. He is ever near (2 Chron. 16:9; Isa. 30:21).

As our Sovereign, God controls all events, people, and circumstances that flow into our lives. By faith we trust God, knowing that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).  And that purpose may include the experience of suffering (2 Cor. 12:7). Without God we can’t fit suffering into the fabric of life.

Look for Jesus in the midst

In reading God’s Word and through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, I have learned to not only, trust in God, but also, “look for God” during my suffering.

While working with a soul healing team, we witnessed how the Holy Spirit would reveal Jesus in the midst of a person’s painful experience.  The Holy Spirit helped individuals see Jesus during their situation.  They realized they were not alone.  Jesus was there with them!  Sustaining, comforting, strengthening, and protecting.

Jesus is always with us!    We must learn to practice looking for God during times of suffering.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see Jesus with you during times of suffering.  Look for Him with your spiritual eyes.

Closing words on suffering

F.B. Meyer, noted theologian, wrote these words about suffering.

Suffering in the will of God challenges us to persevere in our faith. God desires to use such suffering to advance his Kingdom and righteousness in many ways, including further conforming us to the image of God. We need to keep the right perspective about such suffering.

Andrew Murray had this to say about suffering:

 By faith alone are we able to bear suffering, great or small, alright to God’s glory, or our own welfare. Faith sees it in the light of God and eternity; It’s short pain, it’s everlasting gain; it’s impotence to hurt the soul, it’s power to purify and to bless it.

While I appreciate both writer’s input, I commit to memory the following from my Lord and Savior Jesus.  Especially its closing promise.

These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In this world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33