YouVersion Logo
Search Icon

How to Handle Affliction and SufferingSample

How to Handle Affliction and Suffering

DAY 9 OF 18

Earthly suffering is only temporary

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Jesus warns His disciples to take the hostility of the world seriously. They are to expect tribulation: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). We know that Jesus was brutally murdered, and several of His followers were, too. However, Jesus also tells them to take heart since He has defeated the world. He has conquered “the god of this world”, Satan. Therefore, Jesus has received all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

We do not yet see Jesus ruling over everything, but we know His reign will be fully revealed at the end of time. This is our living hope, which enables us to rejoice even in the midst of trials. We know these will only last “a little while”, and therefore we can lift up our heads in the hopeful expectation that our final redemption is drawing near. Even in the ‘worst case scenario’ where we are killed for our faith, this suffering is only temporary. Satan cannot take eternal life from us. He can only harm our bodies, not our souls.

Take heart, Jesus Christ has overcome the world!

Day 8Day 10

About this Plan

How to Handle Affliction and Suffering

The apostle Paul tells his readers, “We must suffer many things on our way into God’s kingdom” (Acts 14:22). Reading the book of Acts or hearing testimonies from Christians all over the world, these words are proven true. Believers face opposition and persecution. Maybe you experience affliction yourself. In this reading plan, we want to encourage you and to teach you how to handle affliction.

More