1 Thessalonians 3:7-8
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
Romans 12:9-17
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
2 Corinthians 7:1-4
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
When Difficulties Arise, Be More Perfect Towards God and Others
When difficulties arise, sometimes we end up complaining or being resentful. We may feel angry, victimized, or wronged. So we may want to blame God or various things and people. But we should not resolve problems by thinking this way. Instead, we should welcome the difficulties, maturely deal with them, and handle them with faithfulness and sincerity. We need to be more perfect towards God and others. We should do well and not blame anyone or anything else.
Even if difficulties keep arising, God’s teachings do not change, so follow those teachings and act accordingly. We will achieve victory in our faith and victory in fulfilling God’s Will by being perfect before God. In addition to being perfect, we must also endure any difficulties that come our way. How long should we endure? As long as we’re alive. We gain hope by enduring and overcoming. Enduring means being patient.
Enduring is difficult, but what the Lord has done will shine. Thus, no matter what hardships come our way, we should work hard and overcome them by doing things according to God’s direction.
Embrace the Difficulties Instead of Being Victimized by Them
In the future, there may be more difficulties that accumulate. Welcome those difficulties falling upon you. Crises are opportunities. Receive those difficulties with the mentality that you will overcome them and form a solution.
You have to receive the history of God instead of passively letting it pass by. Difficulties, too, if you receive them with grace and take charge, you will perfect yourself and gain many opportunities and blessings by overcoming them.
For example, despite immense persecution and difficulties, those who had received Jesus as the Lord and valued his Word, became owners of the New Testament history. Even after Jesus’ death, by acting on Jesus’ Word and spreading that gospel, a great history lasting 2000 years was achieved. Overcoming this great difficulty, Christianity has become the greatest religion in the world, and followers have been blessed spiritually with eternal life and a great connection with God.
Instead of just watching as the difficulties and hardships unfold, “receive” them without fear or disappointment. When you stand idle as difficulties arise, you are passively allowing the difficulties to just “happen” to you. Then the situation will get out of hand. Instead, take action and be resilient, bearing the attitude that you will not be the passive victim of those difficulties.
Overcome Difficulties Together with God
Do not pray for difficulties to be gone, but instead pray to receive God’s strength and direction with which you can sufficiently overcome difficulties. As long as God is helping you, you can improve your situation and overcome any difficulty.
To be blameless before God, arm yourself with the Word and prayer. Doing things according to the Lord’s Word is the standard. God’s Will is the only thing that will not topple.
No matter the circumstances, our job is to give glory to God and praise Him always. We can overcome everything with God’s love. No matter what happens, God’s love does not change, so be strengthened by that love and work enthusiastically and actively. Let’s be united and overcome all difficulties together.
