Dear Reader,
I’m not sure how my words will find you when you read them, but I pray that they find you well and bring you hope and perspective.
A good and noble one can know many afflictions, and yes, these afflictions can leave one crushed in spirit. So, think it not strange, Beloved, when you encounter the hurting, beating, and crushing seasons of life because the complexities of suffering can find their way into your life, too. They can find you, Beloved, and you shouldn’t think it strange.
Think of it not as a punishment, and think of it not as though the Lord has abandoned you because the righteous one may know many afflictions, but a good and noble heart of character (person) will come to know the Lord as a Deliverer from them all. Consider it nothing but joy as you look to the Lord, my brothers and sisters, whenever you encounter various trials, and be sure that the testing of your faith, through experiences, produces endurance, leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace because in doing so, you will be perfect and completely developed in your faith, lacking in nothing (ref. James 1:2-4 AMP).
The Lord is proving Himself to be a deliverer within your life, Beloved, so think of it not as strange. He won’t be absent in your time of trouble; for He is your refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble (ref. Psalm 46:1). “Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, but the Lord rescues him from them all” (Psalm 34:18 NIV). So, consider it nothing but joy as you look to the Lord, Beloved, and think it not strange.
The storms of affliction may find their way into your life, but the good and righteous seeds that you have planted, no matter the season, will always render a harvest. So, be encouraged, Beloved, and don’t be discouraged by the storm clouds of affliction.
Dear Reader, continue to trust God even in the most difficult places, because He will see to it that you make it to the destination of His promises. I want you to know that you are not alone, and it is my prayer that this column will make you feel as though you have a place to belong and somewhere to call home.
Share your story and prayer requests below and at SenecaHoward.com/contact, and our team will be sure to keep you lifted in our prayers.
P.S., Yours Truly,
The Writer, Seneca Howard
About Seneca Howard
Seneca Howard is a pastor, author, mentor, and motivational speaker who inspires the lives of others through crisis ministry, counsel, and personal development.
