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By Roger A. Scully, Jr.
- The difficulties and frailties of life cannot be overemphasized, nor should they be over simplified. So
often we will hear people speak of the difficulties faced in life as being common, hence he who faces them
should simply “suck it up” and move forward. While it is true, we do not deny, that the things people face in life
are not unique things (1 Cor 10:13; 1 Pet 4:12), it is also true that each person is a unique emotional being
(cf. 1 Cor 8), with feelings, emotions and weaknesses, which may differ from our own. When we begin to
overly simplify the complexities of life, we often place ourselves in the position of discouragers and not
edifiers. Remember Paul wrote, “support the weak” and “comfort the feebleminded” (1 Thess 5:14). He also
wrote that Christians ought to “provoke one another unto love and good works” (Heb 10:24), “seeking not
every man his own well-being, but being concerned about the well-being of others” (Phil 2:4; 1 Cor 10:24).
For this cause we should:
(1) Try to understand the circumstances people face, and how those circumstances affect those facing
them as individuals. When those to whom Peter wrote were suffering trials, afflictions and hardships, Peter did
not write to them simply saying, “suck it up,” but rather wrote a most encouraging letter giving reasons as to
why they should endure the afflictions in view of eternity. He reminded them that if we remain faithful to God,
enduring the afflictions we face, that our faith will be “found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing
of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:7). When Paul was concerned about the tribulations of the Thessalonians, he wrote
out of concern that “no man should be moved by these afflictions” (1 Thess 3:3). When one looks to the life of
Paul, he hardly gets the idea that such things would ever move Paul, nonetheless, he tried to understand that
which the Thessalonians were facing. He, like Peter, discussed the circumstances they were facing, and gave
them hope and encouragement to endure the difficulties, reminding them that the Christ “delivered us from
the wrath to come” (1:10). Likewise we should be “swift to hear,” and “slow to speak” (Jms 1:19), when it
comes to our brethren as we try to understand what they are facing in life, being of one mind with them (Rom
12).
(2) Understand that which the Bible says about the difficulties of life and how to overcome them. The
Bible forewarns of trying times, and also gives us the tools needed to succeed when such times are faced (2
Pet 1:3). Though many things could be cited, for the sake of space, let us only note two, the same two
mentioned above: (a) The Thessalonians. Paul wrote to those of Thessalonica as having been made aware of
the tribulation they would suffer (1 Thess 3:4). Yet, in 1:6 he wrote of how they received the word “in much
affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.” The Thessalonians weighed the difficulties of life against the beauties of
heaven, and decided that heaven was a motivating factor to remain faithful to God, striving to overcome all
things faced in life no matter how strenuous, because the reward of heaven was of more value than anything
else (cf. Matt 16:26). Hence, they could be comforted (4:18), knowing that the faithful will “meet the Lord in the
air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (v.17). (b) Then, there are those of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,
Asia and Bithynia (1 Pet 1:1). These brethren were facing: (1) the trial of their faith (1:7), (2) people speaking
against them (2:12), (3) people trying to harm them (3:13), causing them to suffer (v.14), (4) fiery trials (4:12),
(5) afflictions (5:9). Yet, again, they compared their circumstances to the “inheritance” of heaven, which is
“incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away” (1:4). Therefore those addressed were willing to
remain faithful in order that they would “receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls” (1:9),
despite the things they were suffering.
In closing, those whom are facing difficulties should learn to lean on the Father, realizing His care for us
(1 Pet 5:8). This is done through Bible study (Psa 119:97; 23:4; Ac 17:11), prayer (Matt 26:42; Mrk 1:35),
meditation (Psa 119:97; Lk 2:19); and fellowship with those of “like precious faith” (1 Jn 1:3; 2 Pet 1:1). Life is
filled with ups and downs, and often the downs are more frequent than the ups, but remember, the Lord said,
“I will never thee, nor forsake thee” for “the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear” (Heb 13:5-6).