You can never fully express with words the pain of one’s suffering, for the one suffering as well as those watching. God’s gifts, yes, even the gift of suffering, serve a purpose in our becoming Christ-like (Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 1:6-16). Jesus learned obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8), Job learned how to accept the gift of suffering without becoming bitter or angry at God (Job 1:20-22; 42:1-6) and Joseph demonstrated a life that recognized the Sovereignty of God at work even when it included suffering (Genesis 45:4-8).

Suffering comes to us all, just how much we cannot know, for only God is the refiner of our souls (Isaiah 48:10, Proverbs 17:3, Zechariah 13:9, Psalm 66:10-12)!  

So how do you tell someone to not lose heart but stand firm when all around them corruption and disease are the loudest bystanders? How do you tell someone the Lord will never leave them or forsake them while their journey is marked with pain and suffering? Where can our hope rest?

This world is not a Christian’s final destination. This is not how it ends! We are pilgrims on a journey to the Celestial City of God; A place where we will breathe eternal air (John 3:16, John 14:2, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Philippians 3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Hebrews 11:10; 12:22, Revelation 21:2, 4).

Our world today is not how God intended for man to rule the earth. In the beginning, Adam and Eve were virtuous and healthy. They walked with God relating to His glory. But once Adam and Eve chose to sin in the Garden of Eden, immediately everything began to decay. And thus, it was not long before the effects of sin led to murder and immorality and deception and disease. But God sent Adam and Eve out of the garden, immediately, after they had sinned lest they take and eat from the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:22-24). God wanted to reconcile with man, but man was spiritually dead. So, God promised he would send a deliverer to set free every life that turned to Him (Genesis 3:15)

God loved his children too much to let the story end there. Even though he knew he would suffer, God had a plan. . . One day, he would get his children back. One day, he would wipe away every tear from their eyes. You see, no matter what, in spite of everything, God would love his children . . . And though they would forget him, and run from him, deep in their hearts, God’s children would miss him. . . lost children yearning for their home. Before they left the garden, God whispered a promise to Adam and Eve: “It will not always be so! I will come to rescue you! And when I do, I’m going to do battle against the snake. I’ll get rid of the sin and the dark and the sadness you let in here. I’m coming back for you!” And he would. One day, God himself would come.

the Jesus Storybook Bible, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones

A Christian’s future destination is why he or she can encourage another with the words: The Lord will never leave you or forsake you. His love is everlasting. He paid it all so you can experience ALL that the Bible foretells. But you do not have to wait until you are given a new body in heaven. Right now, this very minute of this very day, amid the suffering and division and dishonesty, you can have the peace in your heart that He is always on His throne and watches over the affairs of His people like a loving Father never allowing the refining process to harm all that His restoration plan includes (Romans 12:1, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Philippians 1:21; 3:7-16).

My hope is in the Lord!

My Hope is in the Lord

Stanza 1
My Hope is in the Lord, who gave Himself for me
And paid the price of all my sin at Calvary

Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

Stanza 2
No merit of my own His anger to suppress,
My only hope is found in Jesus’ righteousness

Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

Stanza 3
And now for me He stands Before the Father’s throne;
He shows His wounded hands and names me as His own.

Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

Stanza 4
His grace has planned it all, ‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love and Christ receive.

Refrain
For me He died; For me He lives,
And everlasting life and light He freely gives.

greatchristianhymns.com

Have you received Christ? He is our only Hope!

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