A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

— Ecclesiastes 3:4

There is always a breakthrough moment where the pain and suffering of difficult times in life come to an end. It’s hard to escape hardship sometimes; it’s just part of life. Some endure more than others. Take the survivors of the Holocaust, for instance. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to have such hatred and evil carried out against a human life. What is more amazing is how faith remains a constant in the life of someone who is in the midst of such suffering.

“But miracles still happen, even if we don’t think they do.” – Diet Eman, Holocaust survivor.

Life is about perspective, and strength is about devotion. I wonder how many Jewish people during the holocaust, reminded themselves of the sufferings of Job? Job lost all of his possessions and his family, yet never blamed God, but rather worshiped Him. Job’s most famous quote is:

“Though He slay me,

I will hope in Him.

Nevertheless, I will argue my ways before Him.

“This also will be my salvation,

For a godless man may not come before His presence.”

— Job 13:15-16

It’s hard to put things into perspective sometimes when we are going through difficult times. Especially maintaining a healthy posture of worship and trust in the sovereignty of God, but our strength and joy (not happiness) depend upon it. Job said godless men cannot stand in the presence of God.

Think about that for a moment… Everything is about perspective. Everything is about what we live this life for. Everything is about the endgame and the heavenly reward we are all striving towards.

Breakthrough will come. It may come sooner for some than others but will inevitably come. Our position of faith that we hold will ultimately reward us.

“I will argue my ways before Him.

This also will be my salvation,

For a godless man may not come before His presence.”

In our times of suffering, God wants us to argue our case. We have been given access because of what Jesus has done for us.

Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

— Hebrews 4:16

To argue our case with God is not arguing with Him, but rather stating the factual truth that has been given to us to live by. We don’t challenge God, but rather, accept God. To remind God of His word, not for His benefit, but for ours. We have been blessed with great reward and privilege through Christ, to come before the God of all creation and draw our strength, guidance, and wisdom from above for successful and victorious living.

Our mourning will turn to dancing, and weeping will become joy again. Our sufferings will come to an end, and our struggles will turn into strength if we keep fighting the good fight of faith and hope in God.

It is essential to resist the temptation of victimhood, as it can trap us in a cycle of self-pity and isolation. Remembering the stories of Gideon, Barak, and others who conquered adversity through faith can serve as a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.

And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

— Hebrews 11:32 – 12:3

In the face of hostility and weariness, we find strength by fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. He endured the cross, despising shame, and now sits at the right hand of God. Considering His example helps us persevere with endurance and avoid losing heart.

Conclusion:

In the midst of life’s difficulties, it’s important to remember that breakthroughs will come, and our struggles will turn into strength. By maintaining faith, worshiping God, gaining perspective, and drawing inspiration from the stories of others, we can find the strength and perspective needed to navigate through challenging times. So, let us lay aside our burdens, run the race with endurance, and fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing that we are not alone in our journey.

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

— Hebrews 10:35-36