Faith

We as Christians are told that there will be suffering in our lives. So what exactly does this mean and why do we have to go through suffering? Does the suffering mean anything or is it all in vain? Over the years I’ve tried to understand and pray about why I go through certain sufferings and others don’t, I’ve realized that God gives all of us crosses and everyone has something different. We all carry things differently. I’m not always content with being single and often get discouraged, but I know many girls my age who are doing just fine and don’t even worry about it! I don’t worry much about how my hair looks or how much make up I wear because I’m comfortable with a ponytail and putting make up on is a bother to me. However, other girls feel the exact opposite and struggle daily. Being a girl is hard today, we are criticized for our bodies, hair, face, height and everything under the sun. As if life isn’t hard enough! I can’t scroll through Instagram or Facebook without feeling like I need to be on a diet or start exercising more than I do. Now, there is a difference between healthy eating and dieting. I understand that a lot of people choose certain diets to feel better, I’ve been there, but it also can be so discouraging and make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin seeing others try all of these diets. Over the years, I’ve struggled just as much as everyone else with body image. It is hard, and sometimes it is really hard, but, that is where God comes in.

“Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7

“The God of all grace who called you, his eternal glory through Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you after you have suffered a little.” 1 Peter 5:10

In these verses, Peter is telling us that we must bring everything (struggle) to God. He is the one who can help us with our struggles. He doesn’t take away the pain or times of trial, but he helps us carry these burdens. In verses 8-9, Peter states: “Be sober and vigilant, Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.”  From my perspective, Peter is saying the devil is the one who gives us these sufferings and worries we endure. We must be aware that the during times of trial, the devil is trying to wear us down, make us weak and cause us to begin to turn from God. It’s hard to stay strong sometimes, especially when you are going through the same trial over and over again. Maybe it’s the process of finding a new job, being a part of a new community, moving somewhere new or just trying to find where God really wants you in life. The devil can find many ways to creep in, through social medial, tv, other people and just as simple as having a negative attitude. Somedays, it’s hard to recognize the little ways he gets in, and other days, it’s easy to recognize him and stop him with the help of God. This is hard, believe me, I struggle with this just as much as everyone else. I try to pray, read my bible, and just be a better person every day, but some days it’s just hard! Anyone else with me? Sometimes we play into our own self-pity and forget that we are going through these trials for a reason. God is with us through everything, he is beside us every time we cry and laugh. He is there during the triumphs and trials. He is the one who gives us validation and worth, not other people. God sees your suffering, and the more you cast your worries on him, the easier it will be.

The only place to find worth, love and happiness is in God. He is our refuge.

“I have competed well; I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8