In Hebrews 11:1, we are told that, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.
While faith has a dimension of the unknown, it also has a conviction or an immaterial (spiritual) evidence to it, for which one can base their confidence.
From a personal experience, there have been too many things I have prayed for and have received in faith. Some have been things that did not seem likely to happen but did; while others have been things that seemed clearly orchestrated by God. As believers, we all have testimonies of what God has done for us which anchors and affirms our faith.
On the other hand, there are seasons of struggles and unexplained suffering where it seems God is nowhere to be found. How do we deal with those seasons in life? Does our suffering then reduce our previous experience of God’s favour and blessings to mere coincidence? Does suffering equate to the non-existence of God, as some may seek to argue? I believe not!
While suffering is an experience we would all like to avoid, it has a way of pointing to the fact that we live in a broken world, and that things are not entirely what they should be. Suffering leaves in us a yearning and a search in our hearts for the perfect world which is yet to come.
When walking through his season of suffering, David, a man after God’s own heart said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest” Psalm 22:1-2.
Perhaps, this is exactly how you feel, but as David lamented his experience, he was also comforted as he remembered God’s goodness and later spoke in faith. He said, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: …For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him” Psalm 22:22-24.
Similar to David, when challenges and suffering comes our way, let us cling unto the Lord in faith, trusting in his mercy and grace. Let us lament in confidence that God has not forsaken us, but that He will hear us and answer us. Let us speak in hope, knowing that He is a God who works all things together for our good because we are called according to his purpose.
May the truth of God’s goodness and his unfailing love be an encouragement for you as you persevere in faith today.
Blessings,
Chris Eke
