1 Thessalonians: 5:16-18, Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 4:6-7

Mike Davies considers how to walk through unexpected suffering.



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When things are going well it is easy to give thanks and to praise. This is because our spirit has been lifted and it is therefore easier to be thankful.

As I write this article it is a Sunday afternoon. Tomorrow, I will be admitted to hospital to hopefully sort out my problems; on Tuesday my close friend is being buried and during all of this my next door neighbour is on a life support machine.

Due to my faith in Christ I can find peace. It's not easy, but we need to press into God and find peace in and through Him.

The Bible tells us, 'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4:6-7). The Bible provides us with so many words of comfort.

Earlier in the year I decided that I needed to be thankful on a daily basis for all the things that I have in my life; my wife (Justine); my son (Joshua); for my relationship with Christ; for the friends in my life; for my ministry - because you never know what is around the corner.

As a study I would encourage you to read the words in Thessalonians, Ephesians and Philippians. In doing so, you will realise that if you are going through a difficult time then you are not alone. The Bible has given us many examples of people's suffering and in the suffering of one man, Jesus, we can find strength to face another day and a reason to get out of bed and see the adventure that lies in the day ahead.

Life is so precious, let us take every day as a new day and go forward in it with Christ as our guide and example.

If you are suffering and finding it difficult to find peace then I would like to prayerfully stand with you. Finding peace is not easy; it depends on your circumstances; on your journey; but one thing is for sure, God does not want you to stand alone, or be alone. To pray for you, I don't need to have an explanation, just your name and I will promise to pray for you that you will find the peace of God, which does provide such an overwhelming peace.

For all of us we must give thanks daily to a living Lord Jesus Christ. CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.