“These things I have spoken to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
As we all know, we will go through some degree of affliction or distress, pain, or sorrow in our Christian life. Our Lord doesn’t want us to deny the pain or try to hide our sorrow; He knows what we are going through. “My heart is stricken and withered like grass, So that I forget to eat my bread” Psalm 102:4. God gives scripture so that we may learn to be different from our old ways of the world. My reaction to tribulation is really what is important, to live the word of our Lord to be true. I have to rely on His promises even when I can’t understand the situation and my emotions are weak. It’s vital for me to seek God and live out His instruction, trusting Him, anticipating the joy that is set before me. In my most painful moments I cry out to God. He reveals His holiness and quiets my cries, His faithfulness strengthens me to wait on Him. I reflect on how much He suffered to save my soul. I begin to worship Him and praise Him for all His love and realize the holiness of almighty God. I comprehend His sovereignty; with prayer He calms my soul to be still, to see His wondrous work. As I go through the most difficult times with God, God reveals Himself, gives me His strength, teaches me the intimacy of His love and changes me.
The people that don’t know Christ will also go through tribulation. As Christians, we have the opportunity to live God’s word to be true or not. That makes the difference from the world’s perspective. When I choose to pray and obey I can walk by faith and continued trust in God. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). Let’s see what God has to say regarding tribulation: