When we reach out to help people suffering from disasters or other ordeals, it’s important to offer practical assistance, but it’s even more important to offer the life-changing hope of Jesus Christ.
Diffculties are not a sign that God has abandoned us, but a reality of a fallen world. Jesus Himself promised in John 16:33 (NKJV), “In the world you will have tribulation.” Yet then He immediately declared, “But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus prefaced that promise with this surprising declaration: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.”
He wants us to be assured that the victory has already been won. We are living in the “in-between” world—between what He accomplished for us on the cross and the establishment of the fullness of His kingdom.
The pain is real, but so is the promise. Jesus understands suffering intimately. He walked through it, bore it, and overcame it. And because of that, our trials are never without purpose.
Instead of blaming God or asking why something happened, we should ask, “Lord, how will You lead me through this?” That shift changes everything. It opens the door for His presence, His wisdom, and His power to meet us right where we are.
A day is coming when God will wipe away every tear, when pain and sorrow will cease forever.
Another simple but powerful prayer is, “Lord, have mercy.” In that, we can find His sustaining grace and comfort.
Romans 8:17 says that if we share His suffering, we will also share His glory. Our trials are not wasted—they are refining us, like fire purifies silver and gold. And 1 Peter 5:7 tells us to cast all our cares on Him, for He cares for you.
A day is coming when God will wipe away every tear, when pain and sorrow will cease forever.
That future reality gives us strength for today.
So be of good cheer. He has overcome—and in Him, so will you.
