The Bible commands us to be patient in affliction. This is not to say that we deny a problem, we just recognize it and persevere through it. These problems may come in many forms, such as: doubt, fear, insecurity, lack of confidence, lack of faith, physical pain or illness, anxiety. These are examples of many types of affliction, and they are in contrast and conflict with God's plan for our lives.
In Hebrews 10, believers are encouraged to persevere..."Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful..." (22-23).
Paul faced hardships for the sake of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 6..."as servants of God, we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love. . .sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything" (4-6, 10).
Even the Son of God, Jesus Christ, faced trials, ultimately crucifixion, offering himself up as the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of all mankind. It is not only human nature to have trials come our way, it is an inevitability since we are living in a sinful world. Our hope rests on our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, our advocate, who has gone to prepare a home for us in Heaven. This does not cause us to despair; rather, we seek God more, pray more, and act on our faith more, "for he who promised is faithful".
It seems that there is a great connection between our emotional, physical, and spiritual conditions. In 2 Peter 5:7-9, we are instructed:
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."In the good times and the bad, whether in joy or in affliction, we are called to be patient, alert, and to persevere. This is the model of Christ, and it is a command from Paul to the early church. "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:11-12).
