Persecuted but not broken

Do you sometimes feel lonely? Tempted to be discouraged, misunderstood and criticized unjustly? 

Of course! None of us are exempt from suffering, loneliness, discouragement, or unjust criticism, because God is developing within us the character of Christ, and, in order to do this, he must take us through all of the circumstances in life through which he took Christ. 

Does this mean God causes tragedies? No. God is good, and he will not cause evil or do evil. But God can use dark and stressful times for good. He'll use them to teach us to trust him, to show us how to help others, and to draw us closer to other believers. 

So, what should you do when you’re going through difficult times? 

First, you refuse to be discouraged. Then, you remember God is with you. Finally, you rely on God’s protection and guidance. 

We all go through difficult times. The difference for those who believe in Jesus is not the absence of the shadow but the presence of the Light.