In Psalms, chapter fifty-six, verse eight, God sees, knows, and records in writing all our troubles, distresses, and sufferings, as in Psalms one hundred and thirty-nine, verse sixteen, and Matthew six, verses twenty-five through thirty-two. Every tear shed by a faithful believer is treasured by God and carefully preserved in His memory. He keeps a record to comfort and reward us according to our suffering on earth. For every trial in which we remain faithful to God, we will reap joy and glory when we are with Him in heaven.
Paul reminds us that a victorious life in the Spirit is no easy path. Jesus suffered, and we who follow Him will also suffer. The suffering is considered suffering with Him, as in Second Corinthians one, verse five, Philippians three, verse ten, Colossians one, verse twenty-four, and Second Timothy two, verses eleven to twelve. It is the consequence of our relationship with God as His children, our identification with Christ, our witness for Him, and our refusal to conform to the world. Those who suffer because of their loyalty to Christ are blessed, as in First Peter three, verse thirteen, chapter four, verses fourteen, and Matthew five, verses eleven through twelve, for the Holy Spirit’s presence and the favor of God will rest upon them as a foretaste of heaven’s glory, as in Isaiah eleven, verses one to two, John one, verse twenty-nine through thirty-four, and Acts six, verses nine to fifteen, respectively.
Therefore, when troubles, anxieties, or grievous trials come our way, we must never forget that God looks at us lovingly through all our disappointing experiences, illnesses, sleepless nights, financial trials, and hardships, especially in working environments. For believers, these are the challenges faced. In Ephesians six, verse ten, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”