Advent Season – Hope 3

 

What hope is found in suffering?   

Biblical hope in times of suffering is not denial or false optimism regarding your situation, but a confident expectation rooted in God’s character and promises. It transforms hardship into a means of spiritual growth, as Romans 5:3–5 teaches: “suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not disappoint because it is fueled by God’s love through the Holy Spirit.”

In suffering, biblical hope means trusting that God is present, has a purpose, and will ultimately bring good. Isaiah 43:2 assures, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” This hope sustains believers, preventing despair even when burdened beyond their strength (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). Paul, who faced imprisonment and persecution, found hope in knowing his suffering advanced the gospel and would one day give way to eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Hope also carries a communal dimension—God comforts us in trials so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Even when suffering feels overwhelming, believers are called to rejoice, not because of the pain, but because of the future redemption and resurrection life secured by Christ, who conquered death. This hope anchors the soul, making suffering temporary and purposeful in light of eternity.

                  When dealing with sickness & disease we mustn’t assume that a physical healing will always be in the offing. Frankly, it may not come at all this side of heaven. We pray for total healing from cancer or some other malady and the individual being prayed for passed away. Have your prayers been answered? You may say ‘NO’, but think about it. The person wasn’t healed the way you wanted, but in heaven they will be completely healed, never to be sick again. That may be God’s way of answering your prayers for healing.

                  1 Peter 2:24 states that “Jesus bore our sins in His body on the tree so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, and by His wounds we have been healed.” Peter is referring to Isaiah 53:5, where it says: “by His stripes we are healed.” When taken IN context spiritual healing rather than physical healing is being spoken of. Our salvation from sin is far more important than our physical healing. We are able to enter heaven when sick on earth, but we cannot enter heaven without our sins being expunged. It simply will not happen.  Our hope lies in God and God alone.  

                  It may seem contradictory to be joyful when in pain or terminally ill or deeply despondent, and the Lord knows it isn’t easy, but the potential is always there for you to shift your focus off your circumstances and gaze into the eyes of Jesus. There is a song we sang in the evangelical church I used to attend, and its chorus is the following: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” The answer for every question and every situation you may have or encounter in this life is always... JESUS. Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Love Him, Serve Him. It is the relationship of a lifetime. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries