Recently I have been communicating with a minister who is in an especially difficult and complex mission field. Platitudes have no value and an outsider’s perspective (mine) falls flat. The point is that many live a very difficult life on this earth, both physically and emotionally. Others slide through life with just a few bumps and bruises, whining all the way. They have no idea what persecution, pain, rejection, danger, trauma, etc. truly is. But God sees all, knows all, and is the perfect judge, even when we don’t see or accept that reality.

The verse below is so easy to quote but so hard to practice.

James 1:2 – Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.

However, God sees things differently…

James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

For those who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior, there is the Holy Spirit to draw strength from. In the midst of sin and pain, which may seem insurmountable (Romans 7:23-24), God is there reminding us that…

Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

… regardless of what we have done, experienced, or been subjected to. We may feel the condemnation of man while on this earth for a short time (James 4:14). Peace may be elusive, but there is an eternal tomorrow coming, in Heaven, for sinners that have turned their life over to our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9). 

Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.