Where is our faith during times of adversity, and how do we stand firm in our faith when trials and sufferings come. Suffering is a part of life. Everyone goes through some sort of suffering and adversities in their lives at one time or another, and no one is immune from it. Some go through more suffering then others. Job 5:7 says; "Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward". It doesn't matter if you are a Christian or non-christian - all people suffer in this life. There are sorrows, pressures, need, loneliness, hunger, trials, unpopularity, physical pain, loss, disappointment.
Through these times in our life, we must Stand Firm in our Faith in Christ. God's promises are in the Scriptures to fortify the believer through times of trials, sufferings, and adversity. Our God is merciful and the Holy Spirit has been given to the believer to comfort us, and help us pray as we turn to Him in humility He strengthens us in our circumstances. Our standing in Christ is a firm foundation when times of trouble come.
We can deal with adversity and sufferings through our attitudes. But sometimes we can become distracted by our sufferings and lose site of God's call on our lives, and God's eternal purpose in all things. We must remind ourselves as Romans 8:28,29 says; "And all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the first born among many brethren;" This is where Faith works it's greatest effect in our lives. By Faith we trust God that their is a higher good God is working.
For those who are in ministry positions, Christians should remember to pray for these ones who are devoted to serve the Lord. Pastors, teachers, missionary workers, apologists and those who witness for Christ, especially those on the internet, need to be guarded by divine power. Those who are on the front lines need special prayer, remember those you know today in your prayers.
We may suffer only temporarily or we may suffer all our lives. The end result is that we all look forward to - is being with the Lord in Heaven. Those thoughts will put all things into proper perspective. No where in the Bible does it say that a Christian is exempt from tribulations and troubles. Sometimes God permits suffering as Paul says in Philippians 1:29 "For to you it has been granted for Christ sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake," We need to stay faithful during adversity, He is more then able to see us through.
Sometimes God may permit suffering - to speak through our lives as a testimony to comfort others. God might be using your suffering to inspire and strengthen others. Those of us that are enduring adversities can identify and sympathize with others in ways we have ourselves been comforted in Christ. This scripture gives reinforcement in our confidence of this fact -2 Corinthians 1:3,4, says; "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
So in the midst of suffering what is it that we learn, how is God glorified? The bible helps give us the answers. Jesus knowing that his disciples would face troubles comforted them by telling them in John 14:1 "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." Because of God's grace and mercy, We can look beyond suffering and adversity and see what God's higher purpose is, and what he wants to teach us. We can be encouraged and pray that God will reveal the reasons for the suffering, we can turn to His word and seek His instruction for our lives in whatever circumstances we are going through. Trust Him. His word will give us comfort, encouragement, understanding, truth and strength. Praise be to God.