Times of suffering are part of the human condition. None of us, no matter how great our faith, will avoid them. So, a big key to being an overcomer in life is understanding how to handle our times of suffering.
James 5:13-14 (NKJV) Is anyone among you SUFFERING? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
The Greek word translated “suffering” signifies having hardship, affliction, or distress. It could be caused by sickness, or the loss of a job, or just not enough money to pay all the bills. Whatever it is, the apostle James says our first step should be to take it to God in prayer. Whatever the source of our suffering, our Father God is the one who can give us peace in the midst of that situation.
Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and THE PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
So, instead of getting depressed, angry or upset at the suffering we have to endure, if we take our situation to God, we are promised both His peace and His deliverance.
Ron Franklin
