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“I’m done. This is just too much. I can’t believe this is really God’s plan for my life!” This is not an uncommon confession among Christian women. But it is true: suffering is part of this life.
Every one of us will face times of trial and loss. Job’s lament is a testimony to the physical, moral, and spiritual suffering he experienced. But through his trials, Job experienced a reaffirmation of his faith and, in the end, saw his life and family restored and his possessions doubled.
Are you enduring a time of suffering? Let Jesus’s words in John 16:33 encourage your heart: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus does not promise you an easy life when you choose to follow Him. But in times of suffering, you can experience His peace and know great joy.
Whenever you are disheartened, look to the Lord for your peace and joy. Rejoice in the truth that He has overcome the world and its brokenness, and look to the future glory He promises His suffering children. These are promises for you.
RESPOND
Lord, You know my suffering right now, and You saw untold suffering during Your days on earth. But, all praise to You, You have overcome the world, and in Your strength I can persevere and overcome. Thank You that good cheer and great hope are available to me because You are my Lord. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
A Woman After God's Own Heart Bible—Find fresh encouragement for everyday concerns and vision for a transformed life.
Encouraging Words for a Woman After God's Own Heart (only $3.00!) — A beautifully illustrated book with practical encouragement for living a life as A Woman After God's Own Heart.
REFLECT
When life gets tough, we have a serious spiritual choice to make: to obsess over something earthly like our financial status, or to look up and count on God’s forever promises. When we opt for the upward gaze— the God gaze— then we can, with a clear mind and undivided heart, proceed to do the important work God has called us to do here on earth.
REMEMBER
Life issues cannot always be understood in human terms.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Not long after I accepted a position at the seminary where I received my own training, I attended a conference of professors from around the country. One of the speakers had a Ph.D. in religion and theology. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that, while this person knew a lot about God, he did not have a personal relationship with God through Christ. During a lunch break, I sat with him and initiated a conversation about salvation and the gospel message.
Sometimes the accounts of the faithful in the Bible can feel a bit intimidating. You may wonder if you will ever transform into a man or woman with godly influence. Maybe you feel that way when you read about the woman in Proverbs 31, or when you read about the life of Paul. Paul was Jesus’ “chosen vessel” to spread the Savior’s name “before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
Becoming an empty nester presents many unexpected challenges, especially when we have been used to living in a home bustling with children. For years, our calendar was marked with school projects, sporting events, youth groups, and family meals around the table. Now we have an abundance of free time, and we want to steward it well.