Suffering

Suffering

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.” That’s what James encourages us with in the fifth chapter of his book (James 5:13), and I’ve found it to be helpful for at least three reasons. First, as we pray in our suffering, God gives us His eternal perspective—we will not suffer forever. Second, as we pray in our suffering, God reminds us that He is near—He has never abandoned us even in the most painful seasons of life. Third, as we pray in our suffering, God heals us at times to remedy the physical or emotional pain we are experiencing. Sometimes the last thing we want to do when we are going through hard times is to pray. As we do, though, God shows up in these ways and more. Now that’s something to pray about!