Courage Under StressSample

Faithful Endurance under Suffering

Scripture provides many examples of those who patiently endured suffering. They remind us that the crises we face are not new, and we are never alone. God always notices those who have the courage to remain faithful, even though the fulfillment of his promise to reward us comes in his own time—not ours.

A common picture of tenderness is a mother cradling her infant. She holds him, gently rocking him to sleep. She meets each of her child’s needs, singing and speaking words of encouragement. James tells us that the Lord is like that toward us—“full of tenderness and mercy.” These are words of truth that comfort us even in the worst of times. Since the Lord uniquely created each of us in our mothers’ wombs, we can be confident that he will continue to tenderly nurture us as his children. There is no one who loves and cares for us as deeply as our heavenly Father.

Look how God has provided for others in circumstances similar to your own. For example, Jamie is a woman who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and lives with paraplegia (impairment in her lower extremities). Jamie knows suffering intimately. Every morning she endures fears and pain that threaten to control her . . . until she stops to spend time with Jesus. Calling out to him and experiencing his tender gift of peace for that day, Jamie receives new hope as she clings to her faith moment by moment.

You can learn more about people like Jamie in the Joni and Friends television episodes, available online at www.joniandfriends.org/television. You’ll see how Mike King (“Running the Race”) overcame depression following a motorcycle accident that left him without the use of his legs. With God’s help, Mike wheeled his chair from Alaska across the U.S. to Washington, D.C. You’ll hear how Joyce and Brian Doerksen (“As for Me and My House”) manage to make Jesus the center of their family of five, including their two sons with disabilities. These episodes, and many others, will inspire you with stories of people who are overcoming pressing challenges.

Whatever your stress—large or small—our kind and merciful God sees and cares. He challenges you to put your troubles in his hands.

What do you have to lose?