The Unexpected Power of Suffering in Strengthening Faith
Suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience, and it can sometimes feel heavy and lonely. Yet it’s often in these challenging moments that our faith can grow the strongest.
When life feels overwhelming, we’re invited to turn to God with open hearts. This act of turning to God in our most vulnerable moments can ignite a renewed sense of faith and trust in His divine plan.
All throughout Scripture, we find stories of people who walked through incredible hardship yet came out with a faith that was even stronger. Suffering has a unique way of stripping away our illusions of control and self-sufficiency—and that’s when we learn to lean on God’s grace and mercy.
It’s often in life’s darkest valleys that we get to see the brightest glimpses of His love and light breaking through.
Biblical Insights: The Stories of Jairus and the Ailing Woman
The stories of Jairus and the ailing woman in the Gospel of Luke provide powerful illustrations of how suffering can lead to a deeper faith.
Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, was desperate for Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite his high social status, he humbled himself before Jesus, recognizing that only the divine healer could save his child.
His act of faith, born out of desperation, ultimately led to a miraculous healing.
Similarly, the story of the woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for twelve years speaks to the transformative power of faith in the face of prolonged suffering. After trying everything and finding no relief, she reached out in faith, believing that even touching Jesus’ robe would bring healing.
Her simple, heartfelt act of faith made all the difference, and she was healed in that moment.
Both stories remind us that faith born out of hard times is powerful and real. Our struggles can move us to seek Jesus with open hearts, trusting that He hears us and will lovingly respond to our deepest needs.
The Significance of Moving at 'Three Miles Per Hour'
In today’s busy world, it’s so easy to rush from one thing to the next, hardly catching our breath. But if we look at Jesus’ life, we see a gentle, thoughtful pace—He walked everywhere, taking time for each person who crossed His path.
Jesus moved at about three miles per hour—not in a hurry, but always present in the moment. This slower pace helped Him notice those in need and made room for God’s miracles to unfold, reminding us that no one is ever forgotten in God’s kingdom.
By slowing down, Jesus showed us how to truly see and care for others, putting connection above convenience.
When we choose to slow down and move at “three miles per hour,” we create space to notice God’s gentle presence all around us. This calm, intentional pace not only opens our eyes to the miracles happening in our own lives, but also allows us to become vessels of God’s healing and hope for others.
Overcoming Pride and Judgment in Moments of Need
One of the biggest things that can hold us back from receiving God’s grace during tough seasons is our own pride or tendency to judge. It’s not always easy to reach out and ask for help when we’re struggling, and just as tricky, we may sometimes assume we know who “deserves” our help.
But we’re reminded that Jesus didn't look for reasons to turn anyone away. He welcomed all who reached out in faith, offering healing with open arms.
This gentle example encourages us to set aside pride and judgment, so we can fully experience God’s grace—and share that same grace freely with others.
When we let go of pride and judgment, our hearts become open to the beautiful work God wants to do in us. We begin to see others with compassion, are more willing to lend a helping hand, and gratefully remember that every one of us is in need of God’s loving grace.
Recognizing God's Timing in Answering Prayers
One of the hardest things about faith can be learning to wait on God’s timing. When we’re facing difficulties, it’s natural to hope for quick answers or immediate relief.
But sometimes, God’s timing doesn’t match our own sense of urgency.
God always keeps His promises, though not always in the way or at the moment we expect. Sometimes He moves in an instant, and other times He works quietly through people or circumstances over time.
And every so often, it may seem like there’s a delay simply because there’s something He wants to grow or heal within us first.
Trusting God’s timing asks us to lean in with a brave, wholehearted faith—even when it feels hard. It means setting aside our own plans and letting God’s wisdom lead the way, believing He truly knows what’s best for us.
When we do this, we can discover a wonderful sense of peace and patience in the waiting, knowing His plans are always for our good.
Practical Steps to Deepen Faith During Tough Times
Growing our faith during hard times takes intention and a heart that’s eager to draw near to God. Here are some practical ways to help strengthen your faith when you’re going through a difficult season:
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Prayer and Meditation: Make space each day to talk with God and reflect on His word. This quiet time helps calm your heart and mind, drawing you closer to His loving presence.
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Scripture Study: Take time to explore the Bible, especially the stories and passages that remind you of God’s faithfulness and promises. Let these words speak to your heart and bring encouragement for whatever you’re facing right now.
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Community Support: Reach out to your faith community and let supportive friends or mentors walk alongside you. Sharing your struggles and allowing others to pray with you can bring comfort, encouragement, and remind you that you’re never alone.
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Acts of Service: Helping others in need can be a powerful way to experience God's love and grace. Look for moments when you can lend a helping hand or encourage someone nearby—you might just brighten their day and feel God’s grace in your own heart, too.
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Gratitude Journaling: Try keeping a gratitude journal where you jot down moments—big or small—when you’ve seen God’s goodness or felt His presence. This simple habit can gently shift your focus from struggles to the blessings all around you.
The Role of Community and Pastoral Support in Healing
We’re not meant to walk the road to healing alone. Leaning on a caring church community and wise, compassionate pastors can offer real comfort, hope, and strength when life feels heavy.
When we honestly share what’s on our hearts, we lighten our load together, make space for prayer, and open the door to God’s healing work. Trusted church leaders and friends are there to encourage, guide, and remind us that God is close and at work in every circumstance.
When we connect with a caring faith community, we’re reminded that we’re never alone in our journey. Sharing life with others who believe brings strength, encouragement, and hope—especially during tough seasons.
Together, we can lift one another up, pray for each other, and see how God is working in all of our lives.
Embracing a Slower Pace to Witness God's Miracles
Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to feel swept along by the rush. But when we follow Jesus’ example and slow down—moving at a “three miles per hour” pace—we open our hearts to the beauty of each moment.
This gentle, intentional pace lets us truly notice and appreciate the ways God is working all around us, often in the simplest interactions and acts of kindness. As we listen more closely and offer a helping hand to those in need, we begin to see everyday miracles and grow in gratitude for God’s constant presence in our lives.
As we try to walk like Jesus, let’s remember that real healing and renewal often come in life’s quieter, unhurried moments. When we slow down and match our pace to God’s, our hearts become more open to the miracles He’s working within us and around us each day.
Conclusion
In the end, we are gently reminded how deeply faith and life’s challenges are woven together. We’re encouraged to pause, reflect, and take our cues from Jesus’ unhurried pace—trusting that God is at work even when we can’t see it yet.
As you face difficult moments, hold on to hope and trust in God’s loving timing, staying open to the ways He brings healing and transformation.
If you’d like to explore these ideas further, we invite you to listen to the full sermon and be encouraged by its uplifting message.
