John 16:33 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.”
It seems like every new day brings fresh reports of massive natural or man-made tragedies: Tornadoes, fires, floods, riots, shootings and more. Closer to home, it’s very likely that you have encountered a divorce, a lost job, debilitating or life-threatening health problems, or some other heartbreaking trial.
It is completely natural to ask why God would allow something like this to happen, why there is so much pain in this world, and why you have been affected while others seem to have it easy.
To be honest, I don’t have the answers. There are a few things that I do know, because they are promised to us in the Bible.
God is in control. While we all want the mountaintop experiences—the wonderful times when everything is going well—those moments are few and fleeting. There is no golden ticket to an easy life.
In fact, Jesus told us in John 16:33 that the opposite is true: “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.” Yes, there will be hard times—it’s guaranteed—but there’s also a promise: Christ has overcome the world and He is in control.
God promises that good will result from your suffering. My grandfather, Billy Graham, once said, “Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” Both the mountaintops and the valleys of life make us cry out to Jesus. The mountaintops cause us to praise God, while the valleys cause us cling to God.
If you put your faith in Jesus, He will take your suffering and use it to a positive end. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
You may be traveling a valley that is incredibly difficult and painful. However, I pray that you will take solace in knowing that God has a plan. You may not get to see the fruit this side of Heaven, but even now He is working through you. Your life matters! (Will Graham)
