We want it all…the perfect life where everything goes our way each day. A great job with the perfect family in the perfect home with little trouble to call our own. But life is not like that, even for those who appear to have it all, there is some hurt and struggle we are not seeing. We can all be pretty good at hiding what is bothering us. When others ask how we are doing, we can say ‘great’ and mostly believe it. But we all have struggles, no matter how great or small, because we are all sinners in a broken world.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Sooner or later we are let down in life. The first time we are treated unfairly as kids, we realize everything in life is not fair when things don’t go as they should. The trend continues as we get older and we see more injustice in our lives and in those around us. When we are hurt by those we trusted and loved, when we are passed over for the job we deserved, when our kids didn’t turn out as we had hoped, if at all. When those we love and care about deeply get sick or pass away before we wanted, we feel the hurt in our deepest parts. There are many things we struggle to make sense of in our world, but we can still put our hope in the One who redeemed the world.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Christ was treated more unfairly by those around him than most anyone who lived. He suffered and died for the sake of others, knowingly going down this path when he had the ability to choose the selfish route instead. We don’t need to look far at leaders through the ages who chose selfishness and self-indulgence to see where that got them. Christ identifies with us in our suffering. He understands what we are going through, because he did the same, and even more to the point of death. No matter what difficulties we face, he offers us his strength to persevere. When we take his hand and let him lead us, he shows us what is beyond this present darkness.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
So, even if you are just having a bad day and things are not going your way, Christ offers us comfort in the small as well as the seemingly unconquerable challenges we face in life. There is nothing too big or too small than he is unwilling to walk through with us. Do you turn to him when you hit a wall or do you try to climb or go through the wall 10 times before seeking help? He may not always help you get what you want, like a genie, but will help you see what you need when you are in the middle of your trials. Take a moment and give thanks for what you have overcome and look beyond your present trials to what lies beyond the next time you feel let down. Rejoice in that!
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8
Strength and Courage in Christ,
Clark
