Day 08 - Faith in our Trials
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
If I am a Christian, they why do I suffer? This question is quite misleading, because it implies that once you have Christ in you, then all the sufferings of the world will fade away. However, that is not the case. In John 16:33, Jesus states:
“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”
Trials, hardships, and sufferings remain in this broken world. The Christian journey does not exclude us from these experiences.
First, our trials, hardships and sufferings are opportunities to bring glory to God. Our attitude and reaction during suffering is a strong testimony to others of God’s faithfulness and peace. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that Jesus, “for the joy set before him...endured the cross, scorning its shame...” Joy and strength are found in God, not because of our circumstances, but despite them. This is what it means to walk by faith, even when we face hardship, disappointment, or pain. God’s power and love is so boundless that even in hardship we can find joy.
Second, to be like Jesus includes taking up our cross and following Him (Matthew 16:24, 1 Peter 2:21-22). Our faith is not conditional on whether God answers all our prayers. Our faith in God is a decision to trust Him and follow Him, no matter what life may bring. As Job declared: “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15)
Third, our remembrance of the cross is not just an acknowledgement of its occurrence. It is far deeper than that. It is our embracing of Jesus’ suffering and finding comfort in God in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 1:3-7), knowing that He is always with us to strengthen us and that He paid the ultimate price for us.
Finally, we are reminded in Hebrews 12:2-3 to “fix our eyes on Jesus...so that we do not grow weary and lose heart”. When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we remember that heaven is our home and that He has conquered sin and death. Our eternal hope gives us the strength and faith for this life.
“Resurrection means that the worst thing is not the last thing” - Frederick Beuchner