Is There Hope in Times of Suffering?

May 27, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:10-11

I hate being sick, really hate slowing down and especially hate not being able to play Pickleball! As much as I hate being sick, it always has a silver lining. Sickness of any kind makes me appreciate my health. Lying there aching and miserable reminds me how much I take for granted each day. I spend most of my days pain free, unhindered in any way by health issues or limitations. Health is a gift and a blessing! Sadly, it often takes losing my health, even temporarily, to remind me of how great the gift of good health is.

As he moves towards concluding his letter, Peter seeks to provide hope, perspective, and comfort to those suffering in any way. He does so by reminding them this suffering is both temporal and temporary. The pain may feel overwhelming but beyond the suffering is God’s healing and restoration. Unfortunately, we do not always experience full healing and restoration in this world. Whether in this world or in the heavenly realms, the Lord will not only heal and restore but also redeem all the pain.

Do you believe these words? Can you receive them even while you are suffering? Paul wrote to encourage the Christians in Rome: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). In your suffering, God is with you. He hurts with you and comforts, sustains, and guides you through it. He redeems the greatest trials or losses. That good could come in the form of your own spiritual growth, the growth of others, your spiritual testimony, motivation to change systems, and more. Good looks different for each person and circumstance. Yet. God is the author of good, and he knows how to use everything to bring about his divine and perfect purposes.

I wonder what God wants you to know today as you face trials and tribulation or as you look back on a painful season. Does he want to provide you with his perspective, his peace, grace, compassion, or hope or some or all of these? Of one thing you can be certain in this life, Jesus has already won the final victory over sin, death, and Satan. Through him, you also have victory.

Whether you see that full victory here on earth or when you stand before him, trust in the one who has “dominion forever and ever”. He sees you; he upholds you with his hand; and he will “restore, comfort, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). Take heart today and do not forget the gifts that have been entrusted to you.

Reflect:

What does the Lord want you to know about your suffering today, about his presence, and about his redemptive work in you and through you? Spend some time asking him these questions and write down what you sense he is saying. It will encourage you today and may offer words of life for you again in the future. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.