On Endurance and Faith

Sometimes, we experience extreme and unexpected trials in our lives such as terminal illness or a crippling condition, or worse, it could happen to someone else leading to the sudden loss of loved one. Undoubtedly, it could be one of the greatest and unbearable pains one could ever feel in life. When this happens, we feel like we don't deserve such pain, or we question God: why did you let this happen to us? We are good people, we help people and we pray everyday.. why?

Imagine a vast forest full of trees of different types and sizes. All of them are rooted on the same soil, gaining access to the same water when it rains, and thriving under the same weather conditions, whether its hot, cold, rainy or sunny. Now imagine a strong, destructive typhoon sweeping across this forest. Some of the trees with larger trunks and strong deep roots will stay upright, while smaller, weaker trees will fall. Some will have their leaves and branches blown off by the roaring wind. 

We are all trees in the same forest, of different strengths and abilities , but living under the same imperfect condition of this earth.  The strong typhoon signifies the trials of this world, and it can hit any of us, sparing no one. The ones with the weaker roots and thinner branches have weak foundations therefore falling under extreme trials. Those who have strong roots and larger trunks have strong foundations, therefore enduring and withstanding whatever trials may come.

It is so easy to blame it on God. Of course, God does not want you to suffer. He hates to see you suffering, and God originally intended us to live perfect lives. We get sick and we suffer because of sin, which originated during the time of Adam and Eve, which we call Original Sin. You see, typhoons and storms will come in our lives whether we like it or not - whether we are good people or bad people, because that is the imperfect world that we are living in, ruled by wickedness and temptations.  1 John 5:19 says: We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.

And we are suffering more and at a faster rate now, because Revelation 12:12 says: On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”

What is important is, how deeply rooted is our foundation of faith so that we can endure in this world? Three things are important. Knowledge, obedience and upbuilding association builds more faith and endurance:

If we keep meditating on the scriptures, we gain more of the practical knowledge that God wants us to know to help us get by in life just as what 2 Timothy 3: 16-17 says: All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, so that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work. 

Furthermore, we see how great God's works are that we see the more positive things in life. Psalm 92:5 says: How great your works are, O Jehovah! How very deep your thoughts are!

 If we obey what God is telling us to do, we will be protected from this world's wickedness. Obedience brings blessings, peace of mind and small miracles in your lives. Isaiah 48:18 says: If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. If we follow God's commandments, then it helps us stay clear of these trials as well, and prevents us from having to endure more suffering. As Elihu, the more modest of Job's companions, said in Job 36:11: If they obey and serve him, They will live out their days in prosperity, And their years will be pleasant.

And lastly, associating with people who upbuilds your faith and has true concern for your well-being helps us endure - those people who you can run to when you are weak. We also encourage other people by showing real sympathy when they are going through trials, just as what Jesus did when he showed compassion when healing the sick. Associate with people who can help you build knowledge and faith, rather than those who makes you weaker. Let's build true friendships and relationships. Proverbs 17:17 says: A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.

These three essential things, will help us continue to endure while we go through this world of trials under the rule of the Wicked one - and hoping that one day, God will end all suffering, and we will see our loved ones again, with no more pain, sickness and tears. Revelation 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

That question I have for you now is: Do you pray for God to remove the trials that are inevitable or do you pray for endurance, knowledge and to sustain you so you may continue to do his work, to have more empathy of those under trial, build your faith and fulfill his heavenly purpose of earth?

Let's continue to pray for endurance that we may be like the trees with strong roots and large trunks, so that we may stay upright during times of typhoons and storms.  Hebrews 10:36 - For you need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise.