Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world (John 16:33; NLT).
Last Sunday, whilst I was praying without words, I saw that my suffering is a lifelong healing process from which I have much to learn.
One step at a time, God helps me to move forward by working through this healing process in response to my symptoms.
My first task is to develop ever deeper insight into the underlying causes of my physical, emotional and spiritual suffering.
My second task is to ask God to give me the faith and personal maturity needed to endure my suffering in emotionally and spiritually healthy ways.
Although this kind of healing is a painful, ongoing, spiritual process, God brings good from it along the way. It will be complete at my death, when I will have gone as far as I can manage.
Meanwhile, I’m also learning to trust that God won’t let me be tried beyond what I can endure, which gives me renewed hope.
No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13; NET).
References
My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken (Jeremiah 8:18; NLT).
There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread (Psalm 53:5; NIV).
Your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can heal you? (Lamentations 2:13; NLT).
God willing, we will move forward to further understanding (Hebrews 6:3; NLT).
Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible” (Matthew 19:26; NLT).
I am the LORD who heals you (Exodus 15:26; CSB).
God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28; NLT).
A reading: Romans 5:1-4; ESV.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.