The answer
Some of us … when we experience pain … expect God to interfere instantly. And if we don’t get this God’s interference, in the form of an instant solution to the problem or quick healing, we begin to doubt: Does God exist? Does He love me? Can He feel my pain? Is He punishing me for my many sins?!!!
In order to bear trials and tribulations without falling into such doubts, we need to do the following:
First… Contemplate and Focus on the Cross of Christ
- For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Heb 2:18)
- For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. (l Peter 3:18)
- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Ro 5: 8)
The Suffering Christ supports all those who are suffering ... And in case they could not get an answer to the question ‘Why?’ they will surely get a healing answer to the question: ‘How can I bear it?’
Second… Revisit the Promises of God
- These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ (John 16: 33)
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matt 5:4)
- For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Ro 8:18)
- In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old. (Isa 63: 9)
Those and other promises establish and strengthen our faith and act as painkillers. In fact, they allow believers to smile and to be full of joy in the middle of the trials and tribulations.
Third… Reflect on the Suffering of Others
Who of the Fathers, Prophets and Saints did not experience pain?!!!
Actually, some have been martyred in their pains … others suffered the loss of loved ones … but most of them were exposed to lots of illnesses and unlimited afflictions.
- Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:10)
- But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” (I Peter 3:14)
- These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Rev 7:14)
Fourth… Consider it ‘Pure Joy’
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1: 2-5)
Considering trials as a test for patience lifts one up an raises him/her to a higher status, leads one through the narrow gate of troubles to Eternal Life and Heavenly Crowns;
By your patience possess your souls. (Luke 21:19).
The one in trials needs to pray and pray and pray … until his pains are transformed – not into doubt, objection and grumbling – but into strong Faith, Thanksgiving and Surrender to God’s Holy Will....
That indeed is the work of Prayer...
Fifth… Repentance and Spiritual Growth
Afflictions and pain destroy or at least suspend a person’s earthly aspirations and/or greed. However, they push him towards a different kind of spiritual dreams and ambitions, namely earning lots of virtues like the purity of heart and the fellowship of the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance is the one and only door to this change in direction. Trials give us a chance to re- examine the self, to surrender and be humble which causes one to gain a lot of Grace.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5: 6 - 7)
Trials are a school for Wisdom, Calmness, Hope and Patience. Sixth… Partake of the Holy Sacraments
The altar is a place of comfort for those under trial; we see its place in the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It continues to keep its special place for all those who strangers to this ‘world’ and who are seeking their Heavenly Abode and Heavenly Food. Continuous partaking of Holy Communion liberates from sadness, pain and doubt and grants Comfort, Strength and Discipleship to the father of Confession. By continuously exposing one’s heart to be liberated from thoughts of despair, grumbling and jealousy causes the blessing of inner healing and True Victory over all trials.
Fr. Daoud Lamei