Have you ever wondered why God allowed Job to go through such horrendous trials? He was a righteous man that God favored, yet he still felt a level of suffering that even most sinners will never experience. But through it all, God was always aware of what he was going through. And regardless of the level of suffering or pain we may experience, we should always remember that our God is a God of compassion and mercy. James chapter 5, verse 11 puts it this way:
"As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy."
Compassion and mercy doesn’t always mean that God will deliver you from your suffering. Sometimes, God calls us to suffer so that he can refine us, or test us, grow us, or maybe even to reward us. James says that we as believers should count ourselves blessed when we persevere through a hardship. So I encourage you, if you’re going through something difficult right now; some trial, or some form of suffering, do not lose heart. Put your trust in God. You may not be able to see how things will turn out, but maybe that is the point. By hanging in there and persevering, you will be able to count yourself as blessed if your faith remains strong, and your hope remains in the Lord.
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James says “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered.” If you are in the middle of some form of pain or suffering, be it relational, physical, or situational, I encourage you to persevere. Try to keep your eyes on Jesus, and not on your circumstance. Because God is always bigger than any situation we find ourselves in and James reminds us that he is full of compassion and mercy. So, hang in there brothers and sisters and persevere. Who knows, your story may help someone some day who may end up facing the same trials you’re facing now.