The Discipline of Hardship

The Lord is always encouraging us through His Word. Yet, we are often challenged by it, especially when we read, “In this world you will have trouble…” But He does not leave us there unsettled, or without hope. He confirms, “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Sounds good, but our human reality often leaves us with an experience of suffering during hardship, and a weariness that may consume us. What instruction does God gives us for this trial so that we may go through into victory?

Let’s begin by examining our behavior during hardship:

• What do you do during suffering or difficult circumstances?

• How do you act?

• What do you think about?

• Do you lean to your own understanding trying to figure things out?

• Do you submit yourself and your problem to the Lord?

• Do you cast your care; all your worries, anxieties and concerns once and for all on Him?

• What do you magnify, the problem or God?

As we struggle with battles the first thing we must do is “…fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners)” (Hebrews 4:16 Amplified). In other words, go immediately to God. During hurtful times we may not even have the energy or desire to do this. But we must come to a loving Savior to receive His help exactly when we need it. Jesus understands our suffering because He suffered. In His humanity, Jesus experienced the same trials and temptations that we do (Hebrews 2:17,18). His compassions and faithfulness never fail and are available for us daily (Lamentations 3:22-26). He is the God of all comfort Who comforts us in all of our troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). It is His desire to bear our burdens and carry us every day (Psalm 68:19; Matthew 11:28-30). If we allow it, He is our burden carrier so that we don’t become weary or exhausted, losing heart or fainting in our minds during the trial (Hebrews 12:2-4).

God encourages us: “I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support” (Hebrews 13:5). He will not leave us helpless, forsake us, or let us down; He will not relax His hold on us (Hebrews 13:5). This should give us comfort and reassurance. He is a God Who sees us and watches over us. God knows our difficulties and frailty as human beings. Know this, “The Lord is your Helper” and therefore you should not dread, fear or fret (Hebrews 13:6). He has a power that the enemy cannot stand against (Psalm 91:1)! Yes, we are weak in human strength, confused and without wisdom. But we are never alone! We are in union with God Almighty through Jesus Christ, possessing His Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are strong, able and powerful in divine strength (Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 12:10). The power within us is immeasurable and unlimited; the same power God used to raise Jesus from the dead, sitting Him at His right hand (Ephesians 1:18-21). This power is so great that satan cannot and could not resist it, but instead he must and had to submit to it! This is the power within the children of Almighty God. Right now, we are fully equipped with everything good, that we may carry out God’s will (Hebrews 13:21).

Challenges may be so great that human reason for hope may seem gone. This is exactly how Abraham was feeling while his aging body suggested that the promise of Sarah bearing a child was impossible. But God had spoken and made a promise, just the same as He has spoken by His Word to us. We must do what Abraham and Sarah did, hope in faith according to the promise. You have been given the measure of faith for this purpose. Hardship and difficult circumstances may pressure our belief in what God has said. But belief and trust in the Lord will cause us to be steadfast on His Word without wavering. God is asking us to be fully assured that He is mighty and able to keep His Word and do what He has said (Romans 4:17-21). The hardship does not alter the Word of God. Once He has spoken it cannot be reversed.

The Lord is always our Stronghold and Refuge in times of trouble. In Him we have nothing to fear or dread (Psalm 27:1). “For in the day of trouble He will hide us in His shelter…He will set us high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5). He is asking us to remain hopeful in expectation of His Word being an everlasting promise, to be brave and of good courage as we rest in Him (Psalm 27:13, 14). He is our strength in times of trouble if we trust Him (Psalm 37:39,40). He instructs us to be still and rest in Him; to patiently wait upon Him and not fret because that is harmful (Psalm 37:7,8). In quietness and confident trust in the Lord is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).

As we remember that the Lord is our strength, our invincible army, and our personal bravery, we rejoice in the hope of His love and His promises (Habakkuk 3:17-19). This should occur during all times of suffering and hardship. We are anxious for nothing, but instead, we rejoice in the Lord our God (Philippians 4:4-7). We praise Him because He gives power to the weak, strengthening us; we run and we are not weary; we walk and we do not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31). His power is made perfect in our weakness, and therefore, when we feel weak, we may know with certainty in Him we are strong (2 Corinthians 12:9,10). We are sufficient in His sufficiency and there we rest, not leaning to our understanding about the trial. We acknowledge the Lord, His greatness, His care, and His equipping (Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5,6). We have strength for every trouble because of Christ Who empowers us (Philippians 4:13). Every challenge we face has God’s provision. In every circumstance we are fully supplied by Him for an experience of victory because we trust in Him!

This is the discipline of hardship…we go through knowing and believing…we go through expecting because we believe…we go through to victory in our Lord Jesus Christ!