“She has the patience of Job.” It seems that most people have heard of Job in the Bible. That may be because he suffered so greatly. One day, in the span of a few hours, his children died and he lost all his wealth, everything he had.
TRIALS ARE NOT PUNISHMENTS
I can still remember, as a new Christian, believing that being a Christian would surely one day mean a problem- free life. As I was reading the New Testament, I came across these words of Jesus: “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Jesus said it: you and I will suffer.
It’s a fact of life. Real life is filled with disappointments, tragedies, heartaches, and just plain old struggles. We live in a sinful world of aging bodies, homes that are destroyed, faltering relationships, and fortunes that can be lost. But be assured that trials are not punishments.
God loves you and allows trials to help you grow spiritually. He offers sufficient grace for every situation. And the journey through trials grows your patience, endurance, and empathy. Yes, Jesus said we would experience suffering, but He did not leave us without hope. The second half of John 16:33 says, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
REMEMBER THE GOOD NEWS
When you get weary of life’s trials and troubles, remember the good news: God can give us the joy we need— just when we need it.
Jesus wants our joy to “be full” (John 15:11). When we depend on God in the middle of our suffering, we will find the power we need to praise Him despite the pain.
You can actually give thanks for God’s goodness even when things aren’t so good! Thanks to God’s grace and the working of His Spirit in you, you can become a woman who loves and praises God in every circumstance. Remember these words from Job 36: “Behold, God is exalted by His power. . . . Remember to magnify His work, of which men have sung.”
RESPOND
Lord, the idea of suffering makes me very uncomfortable. But Lord, I know that You are working in me to accomplish spiritual growth. And You have promised to take care of me. I am looking to You for encouragement because You have overcome. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES 
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REFLECT
What good do you see God bringing from your trials?
Ask the Lord for His joy in the midst of your hardships.
REMEMBER
God offers sufficient grace for every situation.
