Rev Michael Anokye: LENT MONDAY 4TH MARCH
TRUSTING GOD AMID SUFFERING.
Prayer: In the midst of my trials, Jesus, my loving Savior, please grant me the grace to find comfort in Your presence. May my trust be like gold refined by fire, appearing, purified and unbreakable. I know that You are with me through every storm, and I believe You will deliver me from all my suffering in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Reading: Romans 5:3-5 – “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
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Jesus started His ministry in His hometown. He read from the Prophet Isaiah and proclaimed that the prophecy was fulfilled in Him. His townspeople were outraged and tried to kill Him by driving Him out of town. Jesus escaped by passing through them – Luke 4:14-21
Therefore, cast all of your burdens on God and embrace His love and faithfulness, knowing that He has a better plan for you.
Reflection:
Jesus’ hometown was one of the first places He visited to begin His public ministry. After entering the Synagogue and reading from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus announced that the prophecy was fulfilled in Him. However, the people in His town were outraged and believed that Jesus was committing blasphemy. They were so angry that they wanted to kill Him immediately, so they drove Him out of their town and planned to throw Him off a hill. But an amazing thing happened. Jesus passed through the midst of them and withdrew.
God had a specific plan for Jesus to fulfill before allowing Him to give His life to save the world. This is similar to our own lives – sometimes we may experience suffering, but God uses it to glorify Himself in us. Jesus’ suffering and death is the most precise example of this. His suffering produced a bigger good for the world, and ultimately, the Father glorified Jesus.
Consider this beautiful truth today – any harm or suffering that is unfairly imposed upon you can result in God’s glory and your greater soul salvation. God is capable of redeeming you, no matter what your life’s circumstances may be. Therefore, cast all of your burdens on God and embrace His love and faithfulness, knowing that He has a better plan for you. Surrender your pain to God with complete confidence and trust, and allow Him to do magnificent things through it.
Let us pray:
Dear God, You are the source of all knowledge, and I believe You can use anything for Your glory and my soul’s salvation. Please help me to trust You, especially during difficult times in my life. May I never lose hope when I am feeling unwell, facing illnesses and problems, or when I am mistreated. May I always keep my faith in You and Your ability to redeem everything. Jesus, I put my trust in You. Amen.
Action
What does the Bible say about rejoicing in suffering?
How do you cope with suffering?
What can be learned from trusting God in the midst of suffering?
Finding someone you trust, sharing your problems with them, and praying about it is important.
Please remember that the pastoral team at the Olive Tree Church is here to support you.