Suffering – Part 3: Attitude
Having established that suffering is an inevitable part of life and that it can be used both for our transformation and the glory of God, we now consider the attitude we should adopt when going through times of trial and temptation….
What attitude should I have through suffering?
Since trials bring us to holiness and reveal the glory of God, we should approach trials with confidence, trusting in God’s grace.
Welcome trials with Joy
Surprisingly, Scripture says that we should respond to trials with Joy!
Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds – James 1:2
Remain faithful to the Lord and His commandments
Throughout the stresses and strains we must remain faithful to the Lord’s commandments.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. – Romans 12:14
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “…If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver usfrom Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18
Rely upon God’s grace
Our own strength will quickly become depleted. Instead we should rely upon the Lord.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. – Psalm 46:1-3
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:15
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you – Psalm 9:9-10
In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye, like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them aloft. – Deut 32:10-11
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. – Psalm 147:3
Continued tomorrow…