This world is broken. It has been broken since Adam and Eve initially disobeyed God in the garden and
it will remain broken until Christ's triumphant return. Because of the broken state of this place, we are
subject to pain. Jobs are lost, sickness ravages bodies, countries declare war on each other, loved ones
pass away and nature brutally takes its toll. There is false theology out there that says that being in
Christ means personal health and wealth, freedom from trouble. This is not the case. God promises us
many things, but He never promised that this life would be easy. When we are troubled we can rest on
the things He did promise to us in His Word.
God promises to provide for our needs.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in the glory of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
We are assured that God will take care of all that we need. This does not mean that things will always
go our way or we will have everything we want, but it does mean that we can trust God to take care of
us.
God promises that His grace is sufficient.
The Apostle Paul had many worldly reasons to boast. He was well versed in the law and had been an
influential leader in his community. However, none of that spared him from trouble when he began to
preach the Gospel. He endured more hardships than most people can even imagine. He suffered with a
“thorn in the side” that he asked God to remove from him, but it never happened. Yet Paul stayed the
course because he knew what was true.
“But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'
Therefore I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon
me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and
calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
God promises eternal life in Jesus and victory over death.
Christ's death on the cross was the atonement for our sins, but it is His resurrection that defeated death.
Though the battle may rage on through the trials we face, Christ has already been victorious in the war.
In that victory those who believe are promised eternal life, where all tears will be dried and pain will be
removed.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will
never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28
God promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
This can be difficult to understand in the midst of trial or pain. God in His sovereignty will always
work out all things for His glory. If we draw closer to him during hard times we will be able to go on
because we know Him on a deeper level. Though we may never see or understand in this life what God
was doing, we can trust that the troubles of our life will not be wasted. If nothing else, we should be
like Paul and see that by trusting God in all things we are made strong.
There will be trials and hardships in this life. Putting our hope in Christ does not free us of physical
pain and difficulties, but instead it gives us hope that we will be free of pain in eternity.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew
11:28-29 (italics mine)
It is in our weakest state that we can most readily receive God's abundant grace. If you are struggling,
in pain, battling the evils of the world, find rest in that which God has promised. You are a beloved
child. He cares for you and wants to carry you through until it is time to taste the sweet freedom of
eternity with Him.
