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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Being afflicted by pain and sadness is not something we seek. As I went through some trials over the past few years, I cried a lot before the Lord. I stayed up late praying and reading the Bible. I cried out to Him and yelled in my anguish, because I neglected the fact that He heard me. I was in pain and wanted relief!

Humiliated by those whom He loved so unconditionally, Jesus was hurt and grieved. Later, He endured even greater physical pain and a death reserved for thieves and murderers. Jesus was anguished by the pain afflicted upon Him, and yet He didn’t flee. He knew God’s plan for Him and humanity, so He followed through with the plan.

Knowing what awaited Him, Jesus comforted His disciples with an analogy. Like a woman birthing a child, pain and anguish do not last forever. Jesus reassured them that their grief would turn into joy.

My tears and grief have given way to joy and peace. I delight myself in the Lord, and I am grateful for all that He has done through my time of grief. I kept my focus on Him and learned to persevere. Jesus has promised us that, just as He overcame this world, we, too, will see better days if we remain in Him. If you are experiencing pain and sorrow, I encourage you to trust Him. He will see you through this time and take you into the next, a time of rejoicing.

“Dear Jesus, thank You for being the best example of what perseverance and trust can do in our lives. You walked Your talk on this earth. You are our role model and encourager. Teach us to be more like You.”

For His Glory

Luska Natali
TRBC Women’s Life