Embrace The Season
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Tribulation – a word synonymous with trials, affliction, suffering or distress. Something we all are excited about encountering; I say that sardonically. No one wants to purposely suffer or go through a difficult season. But Christ states in John 16:33, we WILL have tribulation in our lives. We will face trials, afflictions and at times, suffering.
With that said, I have heard people blame God for those seasons as they occur in their lives. Many times, they are angry at Him, and begin to question His very nature. Some will even turn their back on Him. We all have heard the question, “If God was so loving and good, then how can He allow so much suffering?” The truth is, He DOES allow it, but it is not from Him. Those periods of tribulations are from the world (as stated in John 16:33), because the world is fallen and broken. But Jesus gives us a countermeasure for those seasons in our lives. He promises us peace and the ability to overcome the world and those tribulations that try to harm us.
“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
“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-4
The Father is for you! He loves you, He empowers you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. He transforms tribulation into an experience that develops endurance, faith, character, etc. He transforms what the world/enemy uses to distract, destroy, or confuse you, and crafts an obstacle that is good for us. I dare say, if you looked back on your life and consider the difficult seasons you have been through, you would identify those time as when you grew the most. Yes, those seasons were hard, and did not feel good, but for muscles to get stronger, you must use and stress them. It’s the same with our faith and character. They become greater as we use them and depend on them.
So, as you start your day, take a moment, and recognize the tribulations you have been through or may be facing today. Realize it is not Christ who caused it, but He will empower you to overcome it. Embrace the season!