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“She has the patience of Job.” It seems that most people have heard of Job. 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.
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. 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.”
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
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
Where do I turn when I’m suffering?
Spend time in prayer the next time you’re hurting.
REMEMBER
“Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
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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:
When something difficult happens in your life, are you ever tempted to ask, “What good could come out of this?” The event looks like a disaster. It feels like a disaster. Therefore, we quickly conclude, it is a disaster! But God did not forget His people who were suffering in Babylon. And, my friend, He won’t forget you!
Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”
As a young mother, I endeavored to “train a child in the way he should go,” so that “when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). A decade later, however, I wasn’t reaping the results I had expected. Angrily, I said to God, “But this isn’t the way it was supposed to be! This isn’t the way it went for this family here or that family over there. And this isn’t the way it was supposed to be for my family!”