Kids are always hungry. Little ones whine and cry to the point of embarrassment when in public. They throw a fit and cause others to wonder if they’ve been neglected or haven’t eaten in days. Their sobs prompt endless snacking on crackers, fruit, cookies, and treats—anything to stop the tantrums.
Teenagers, on the other hand, get moody or even angry. Their stomachs are a bottomless pit. Of course, they burn many calories through sports and other activities. They will eat pizza, burgers, fries, tacos, subs, and munchies day and night.
But as disgruntled, starved, or insatiable as kids may be, these are but minor afflictions. Greater suffering and trials will come for us. Each new season of life brings challenging circumstances in health, relationships, finances, and jobs.
The Bible tells us about the afflictions the apostle Paul experienced. They seem unimaginable. Most of us will never experience trials such as imprisonment, stoning, shipwreck, and more.
However, even Paul’s sufferings were nothing compared to those of Jesus. Jesus endured beatings, rejection, humiliation, torture, and death on the cross of Calvary to save us all from our sins.
Jesus had a choice and chose to pay our sin debt in full. He obeyed His Father and endured such suffering to show how much He loves us. We can’t help but be drawn to the one who loves us so much.
When I face unexpected or unwanted circumstances or things out of my control, I may overreact, become defensive, or even feel sorry for myself. But if I pause before reacting, I will hopefully respond better.
We can’t avoid troubles, but we can choose how we respond to them. They are momentary and light when compared to eternity.
Karen Huffaker is now a breakthrough freelance Christian writer after working many years writing and editing in the corporate/legal world. She has taught children’s Sunday school and single mom’s Bible studies and written poetry. She is from the deep South and loves reading Christian books, devotionals, genealogy adventures, fishing, and all things family. She is also passionate about her grandchildren’s sporting events.