Suffering? Lonely? Misunderstood, maligned, and criticized unjustly?
Did Jesus ever experience this?
YES.
Knowing this will help you understand why you suffer even though you are a Christian trying to faithfully follow Jesus. He doesn’t just lead us over high ground on smooth trails. God is developing the character of Christ within you. In order to do this, he may need to take you through the circumstances in life that he took Christ through. “This means God is more interested in your character than your comfort, and he’s more concerned about your holiness than your happiness.” The question is not if you will go through dark times in life. The question is, “How will God use this to make you more like Jesus?”
Does God cause tragedies? Yes! If it is the very best thing for you He will either allow it or cause it. In Matthew 10:29,31 Jesus said, “…not one of them (a sparrow) will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” No “bad” thing can happen except that God wants it to. He will use these dark and stressful times for good; he will use them to build a Christlike character in you. Paul writes in Romans 8:28-29 “…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…”
So, what should you do when you go through difficult times?
Refuse to be afraid – David said, “I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4 NIV). With God’s help he made a choice. As Jesus faced the cross, he made the choice to follow God’s will; he made a choice to face down fear.
Remember that God is with you to hold you up in His hands – David said, “For you are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV). We will never go through a dark day alone. Jesus knew he wasn’t alone as he walked through his suffering. God not only promises his presence, he also promises his power. “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great. (Psalm 18:35)
Depend on God’s protection and guidance – David said in Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Even better, Isaiah writes in Isaiah 12:2 “…I will trust and not be afraid…” If you have trusted in Jesus, God is with you. He is protecting and guiding you. Look into His Word, the Bible, to see how. Recognize that He is in every situation. Look to Him.