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“For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”
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“A man once dreamt that he walked along the beach, and as he walked along, he saw his life flash before his eyes.
As he looked back over his life, he saw that for every memory there were two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to himself and the other belonging to the Lord.
But as he looked more closely, he saw that for the most difficult and painful memories in his life, there was only one set of footprints. Turning to the Lord, he said, ‘Lord, when I needed you the most, why did you leave me?’ God says, ‘those were the moments I carried you.’”
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The poem, Footprints in the Sand, though not found in the Holy Bible, is a testament to the love Jesus has for each of us. Every time this author reads this poem a tear will form in my eye.
In Luke 24, Peter and Cleopas walked to Emmaus. They were completely unaware that it was Jesus who had joined them. As the men walked along they were gripped with profound sadness. When Jesus later blessed and broke the bread their eyes recognized Jesus making the scriptures come alive.
This instruction alone should confirm to all of us that we are never alone. He walks beside all of us in our daily journey. Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Not Always Sunshine and Roses
As pilgrims, we know that we are here for but a short time. This does not mean we will not go through periods of suffering. The passing of loved ones, illness, or other maladies befall all of us.
Consider the turmoil that Job faced. Many would consider this a catastrophe beyond repair. Job, through all of his suffering, never lost his faith, though he did agonize over things he couldn’t understand. Faced with suffering, we can either curse God or trust in Him.
As with Job, sometimes our suffering is due to circumstances beyond our control. Tragedies are difficult to understand, but sometimes God uses these events to call people to repentance. In Luke 13:4-5 Jesus says: “...those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Perseverance Is Rewarded
Christians know that Satan is the author of sin. During times of trial he will tempt us to doubt God. However, lessons learned during this period can equip us for future ministry. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, teaches us:
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“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”
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Equipped with our experiences, we can use this firsthand knowledge to encourage others who are suffering. He is teaching us to persevere, as well as be sensitive to the needs of others.
During our pilgrimage, let us provide a respite for those who are suffering. Allow those in need to find refuge in our spirit. In Galatians 6:2, Paul teaches us: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Moreover, we need to be mindful that all eyes fall upon us as we navigate trying times. Our actions will either confirm our faith, or expose those who live the lie. The true intent during times of trial should be to honor God.
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“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:1-2).
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“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
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“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:14)
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Proving Our Faith
Nobody enjoys suffering. Though we try to avoid it at all cost, it is inevitable. The joy and eternal glory shall outweigh the suffering, though the compunction to allow doubt is human nature. This is the time we must remember Christ’s suffering on the cross for all of us.
Suffering for Jesus’ sake places all hope in Him. We know that all things work together for His purposes. In Romans 8:18-30, the Apostle Paul writes:
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“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
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Suffering provides unique opportunities for greater awareness and appreciation of God’s purpose for our lives. We take comfort in God’s mighty control over our circumstances. More importantly though, we gain increased respect for our Lord and Saviour who volunteered to suffer on the cross. 
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