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"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
When you feel the weight of the world coming down on you, turn to the Word of God to ease the
burden (Matthew 11:28.)
If your struggles are beginning to feel unbearable, read these scriptures. I believe that they will help
you:
1. Expect trouble. 1 Peter 4:12 (NIV) says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that
has come on you to test you , as though something strange were happening to you." On this earth
we will face difficulties and disgrace. Due to our faith, it is inevitable. But take heart! Jesus has
overcome the world (John 16:33), and we have overcome it through him (1 John 5:4.)
2. Be joyful in it. It may sound odd, but even when times are trying and we can see no signs of God
working in our favor, we must have the mindset of Habbakuk in Habbakuk 3:18 (NLT), "yet I will rejoice
in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!"
3. Praise through it! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV) says, "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is
God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Emphasis in in ALL circumstances. Praise him for what He's done,
what He will do, and who He is. No matter how life is treating us, God is always worthy of praise.
4. Know you're not alone. When the devil comes against you, 1 Peter 5:9 (NLT) says to, "Stand
firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all
over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." If you continue to rely on God's
strength, this test will become your testimony. Others like you need the encouragement, so use your
suffering to show them that there is nothing you can't overcome through Christ Jesus!
5. Trust in God. Trust that God will take care of you, even in the midst of the pain. Psalms 46:1 (NIV)
reads, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Don't feel forsaken, God
never leaves His children to fend for themselves.
6. Rest in God's peace. In John 14:27 (ESV) Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to
you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be
afraid." Know that better days are on the way, and take comfort in the fact that Christ holds your
future in the palm of his hand.
7. Pray. James 5:13 (NIV) asks and answers, "Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray." Also,
don't just pray that God will deliver you, ask Him to bring you out of this situation better than you were
before.
8. Hope in the Lord. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) says, "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not
be faint." Let God be your support on this difficult journey. Rest in the knowledge that better things
are coming--in this life, and the next.
James 1:2 (NIV) says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many
kinds."
If you are suffering, know that it is not in vain, but for the glory of our heavenly Father.
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