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Maturing Despite the Odds: Three Truths to Remember in Suffering

How can I continue to mature when life brings so many struggles? Because LIFE, it does not stop. It just keeps coming, coming, and coming. If it is not one thing, it is another. Many can relate to these sentiments. Life seems more of a curse than a blessing. It can bring so many trials, tests, and troubles that death seems like the only escape. Even those that have faith in God can sometimes sink into this pit of discouragement, depression, and despair. The words of David become the hallmark of existence,

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalms 22:1 (KJV)

Some reading this article know this scripture oh so well. It forms the basis of thoughts and prayers. Why does God allow us to experience so many hard things? Why does it seem as if He is unresponsive to our prayers and requests? It feels as if He does not care about what we are going through. We know from David's words and the words of Christ on the cross that it happens in the life of those who possess faith in God.

We may not always understand why or receive an answer from Him about why we have to go through so many bad things. Yet, we must maintain our faith, hope, and trust in Him. To survive the "My God, My God" moments your life, there are three things you have to remember. If you remember these, you will be able to continue to mature and grow as a Christian and overcome every struggle of life.

1. The Promise of God. Though it may seem as if God has forsaken you and left you alone, He gave a promise saying that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. What this reveals is that even when it seems like He is not there. He is. His presence is the only reason you have not quit or had a breakdown. He is constantly giving strength, so that when you think you will not make it, you do somehow.

2. The Plan of God. It does seem insensitive when someone says to us that God has a plan when we are experiencing devastating situations such as death, sickness, loss of job, and other life changing events. It seems this way because we associate God's plan with just events and circumstances, not understanding that God's plan revolves around the souls of men and their salvation. We may not always agree, but God does have our best interest in mind. Negative circumstances can either draw us closer to Him or we can allow them to push us away from Him. In addition, God's plan may be that others see your faith in the midst of your trials and troubles which brings glory to Him.

3. The Peace of God. Jesus promised His disciples that His peace would be left them after He was gone. He told them that they would have troubles and tribulations, but His peace and joy would be with them. This is the part that we sometimes forget about. God gives peace and joy because we would experience hardships and difficulties. The problem is that we focus on God changing the situation, rather than on the fact that He can give peace, joy, grace, and strength while we go through it. The peace of God is available, but we have to ask for it, receive it, and walk in it.

Our cry sometimes may be, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" However, we can trust His character that He knows what is best and offers strength when we face difficulties. The truth is He will not abandon you. Continue to believe, hope, and trust knowing that it will be worth it all when we see Him, when this present life is over, and we enter into our eternal rest. Stand in faith knowing that Christians can overcome every struggle and yet mature and grow.

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