By: Roseberline Porcenat
Those who choose to follow Jesus Christ are not exempt from trials, tribulations or hardships. Instead, God uses these instances in our life to “refine us through the flame” therefore, no suffering is endured in vain.
Yet, in the midst of our problems, our mindset tells us to run and hide instead of to persevere.
Our prayers turn from praising and worshiping to questioning and doubting God. We say things like “Why me?” or “What did I do to deserve this?” We forget to ask God to strengthen, develop, and empower us to overcome. Often times we fail to realize how God utilizes these moments to develop our character. We feel forsaken and vulnerable. Yet God recognizes our needs and equipped us with what is necessary to overcome.
Our homes go into foreclosure, death is more familiar than a friend, and disease takes over our bodies. But we should not be shaken. Scripture tell us this: “Do not to be surprised at the fiery trials when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12-12)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trials when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you.
1 peter 4 12-12
Even when our world is crumbling apart and there may be no end in sight, our trust in God should comfort our soul. God may have physically left but His spirit dwells throughout the earth. Upon departing from the disciples he promised us this: “And I pray to the Father and He shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16)
Our reliance on God is what gets us through the problems and to the other side. Scripture constantly reminds us that we are not alone nor do we have to experience it alone. Take heart my brothers and sisters. Our God is a God of comfort. God does not leave us weak and defenseless to where our problems can destroy us. We are alive with the spirit of God and through Him and by Him we can overcome anything.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed
2 Corinthians 5:21
So I say to you, do not allow problems to discourage you. Remain encouraged and steadfast in your faith. Know that your strength and comfort comes from God and God alone. Never think that your problems are too little or too big for God to address. Remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling” ( Psalm 46: 1-3) When a storm is happening around us, it is important that we are in control of what is going on in us. We should not fear and find refuge and strength in God.
God informed us from the beginning that we will have to endure trials and tribulations on this earth, but He also gave us the promise that He will be with us each step of the way. Guiding and leading us as long as we continue to put our trust and hope in him. “The pain that you’ve been feeling cannot compare to the joy that is coming.” (Romans 8:18) Although pain hurts, there will come a day when pain shall be no more and we will rejoice in the presence of our Savior.
By: Roseberline Porcenat
Roseberline is an alumna of the University of Central Florida. She has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on social/behavioral and biomedical sciences. She often participates in mission trips to advance The Kingdom and the health of vulnerable populations. She enjoys reading, cooking, and writing in her spare time. Read more about Roseberline’s passion for God and women at her blog: roseberline.wordpress.com