It seems so small, a grain of sand on the beach of forever. But forever is eternity, and our time on earth is so minimal in comparison.

Suffering comes to everyone, though I’ve heard of those who lead “charmed lives”. Lives that seem never touched by want, difficulty or struggle.

Yet, God’s children go through inexplicable experiences-sometimes things that seem too much to comprehend.

Satan can’t hurt God, except by going through His children and causing them anguish and pain. Yet our Father is there, gently wiping away tears, sending the Spirit of comfort and fashioning us into worthy vessels who will be holy, precious, and merciful to others going through similar trials.

One time, I was sick (endometriosis) and exhausted by one of our two active sons. I whimpered “Lord, I’m not very good at loving You.” He said “How much strength do you have?” I said “Not much…” He replied “Are you loving Me with all of it?” “Absolutely!” I said. “That’s all I ask for” was His soothing response. I felt so relieved, and relaxed instinctively. How sweet His comfort was.

It’s challenging to think that, as the scripture says “In due time you shall reap if you do not grow weary”. That really is something I struggle with – the weariness. But Jesus had His weary moments too, and being a human being means that “built in rest” will buffer us, in some situations, from such fatigue. Planned rest is essential.

It’s especially challenging in emotional, mental illness, chemo, and intractable painful conditions. You can feel like a real hypocrite trying to “keep up your witness” in traumatic situations. Know that Jesus has a strong grip on you, even when yours is weak. He can be so strong when we’re weak, but we may never “see” His strength until later. But He is so for you regardless of how it feels.

Strong’s concordance also describes the word “weary” as “faint of heart”, emphasizing that God looks at your heart to see if there is faith in Him, regardless of how you feel. In Job, his wife said “Curse God and die!” in her pain. Yet, she got all of Job’s blessings and more (giving birth to 10 more babies!). Jesus took our anguish upon Himself, and if we keep our eyes on Him, He will reward us.