Find your peace with God.
Billy Graham's Daily Devotion

Plan for Suffering

January 26, 2013

We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe it, for our hope is in the living God who died for all . . .
–1 Timothy 4:9,10 (TLB)

Our life has its beginning in suffering. Life’s span is marked by pain and tragedy, and our lives terminate with the enemy called death. The person who expects to escape the pangs of suffering and disappointment simply has no knowledge of the Bible, of history, or of life. The master musician knows that suffering precedes glory and acclaim. He knows the hours, days, and months of grueling practice and self-sacrifice that precede the one hour of perfect rendition when his mastership is applauded. The student knows that years of study, privation and self-renunciation precede the triumphant day of graduation and honors. Yes, there are clouds of suffering for each one of us, but God says, “I come to you in the thick dark cloud of suffering,” By faith you can see His blessed face in the storm. God has His plan and purpose in all suffering.

Prayer for the day

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that none of my suffering is in vain. Through it teach me more of Your love and comfort.

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21 Comments

San says 1.30.2013, 09:22 a.m.

Thank you for today's message! I was led to the right anti-charismatic doctrine!!Your words came to me with power.

Abel says 1.28.2013, 00:29 a.m.

I am encouraged, I believe God will act on my side. I tell my soul to have deeper faith in God at this situation. Thank God for the man of God.

William says 1.27.2013, 11:04 p.m.

Dear Jesus, I have so much to be greatful for in my suffering. Save me Jesus..save me.

Hootie says 1.26.2013, 7:23 p.m.

May we never despair but always look for the glorious face of our Almighty and strive to follow his commandments. Right now there is a dark cloud over some loved ones but may they see God as he shines.

Richard says 1.26.2013, 09:41 a.m.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

roy says 1.26.2013, 08:41 a.m.

Most difficult, trying thing i have ever done. putting it all in Gods hand. I have and my lifei heart, is free of all that does not matter. I am ready now.

Loi says 1.26.2013, 07:47 a.m.

Amen, Amen and AMEN!!!

Nana says 1.28.2012, 05:16 a.m.

Amen!

Joe says 1.26.2012, 08:31 a.m.

Amen Brian.

Gerry says 1.26.2012, 05:26 a.m.

God's eternal mercy will always out weigh our temporary suffering.

Annie says 1.25.2012, 05:14 a.m.

I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10). Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the, CLOUDS OF SUFFERING, which I have gone through. LORD, Make us more like You....., Keep us restless till we find You....., in Jesus name, Amen!

Stafford says 1.26.2011, 9:04 p.m.

Dear Billy,Thank you so much for sharing this thought. Couple years back I was suffering with a bleeding deep in the brain. I know that I will live very long. I had a brain surgery successfully in Velore Christian Medical College. His love has no limit and no boundary for such a tiny human being. Yes, I've suffered quite a lot. But God is my healer. I'm blessed to read this devotion. Thank you. God bless you. Stafford K. Sangma. Tura Baptist Church, Meghalaya,India.

opal says 1.26.2011, 8:43 p.m.

I watch all your classics, They are wonderful. Tonight you talked about people being lonely. I get that way at times, I live alone, but I love The Lord and count on him to help me. Thank you so much for the classics.

Natanael says 1.26.2011, 7:51 p.m.

God continue blessing this ministry.Why don't we, the Spanish people, don't have this page in Spanish? I would like to listen Billy, in my own language.

Brian says 1.26.2011, 10:40 a.m.

Mick, you're right. When I think how my Lord Jesus suffered for us all. I realize what little discomfort I'm feeling is nothing in comparison. Yet, I am thankful that I serve a loving, patient, and wise God that knows how childish and selfish I can be. He had the great wisdom to cover all my weaknesses in Christ Jesus. God knew it would take me awhile to learn to trust Him and to gain true comfort from Him. I aspire to walk boldly and gracefully through trials and pain, but I'm glad I don't have to. Jesus has already done it all for me. I am free to fall and cry out, knowing that God will comfort me. God loves me right where I am. Thank you, Jesus!!!

Fran says 1.26.2011, 08:24 a.m.

No, Mark, I don't think I can........

Karen says 1.26.2011, 08:12 a.m.

Yes, Mick, you are so right: our sufferings all pale in relation to what our Lord Jesus endured for all of us. This recent theme of the Daily Devotions has made me focus more on the Garden of Gethsemane and ultimately the Cross to help me face my current challenges. If I contemplate the Lord's sufferings, I can't say, "Take this cup from me." But I MUST declare with total conviction, "Not my will, but Yours be done." And through it all, I truly believe, the Lord will be right there, guiding and loving us.

sam says 1.26.2011, 07:50 a.m.

Every moment of our weakness is an occasion of display of God's awesome redeeming power and which leaves us stronger.

Gerry says 1.26.2011, 07:47 a.m.

God's ways are infinitely higher than our ways and he has a perfect reason for permitting pain and suffering into our lives . In many cases I believe he is trying to get our attention and the end result is we mature as Christians by depending on him and drawing closer to him through our trials .

ronnie says 1.26.2011, 07:44 a.m.

In this brief paragraph, I found thoughts that will be with me for a long time about both my training as an athlete and in my rleationship with Christ.

mick says 1.25.2011, 11:46 a.m.

Can we honestly speak of suffering when we consider Who really suffered?

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