Another Alistair Begg devotional for today – this one comes from a collection of devotions called “Suffering Knows No Strangers.”

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Comfort for a Troubled Mind

There are two things we need to acknowledge about suffering—namely, that it does exist and does hurt. Affliction is a reality in everyone’s life at one time or another. Such affliction takes on many forms, not the least of which is mental suffering.

When writing to fellow believers about suffering, Peter recognized that there are many and various ways in which we can be grieved. The specific sorrow that Peter’s first readers were burdened by was the mental anguish that comes from enduring hardship—but Peter was fully aware that there are all kinds of trials that buffet our minds and crush our spirits.

Because of the gospel, Peter doesn’t have to end on a note of hopelessness and despair. Instead, he gives us promises to which we can cling.

First of all, Peter reminds us that our trials last only “a little while.” Now, “a little while” needs to be understood in the light of eternity; even a lifetime is “a little while” compared to forever! Thus, a long period of suffering in this life is still, in God’s economy and the framework of His plan and purpose for His children, “a little while.” That is not to say that such suffering will feel brief—especially when we are in the midst of it. For many, suffering means that a minute can seem like a day, a day can seem like a year, and a year can seem as if it’s never going to end. But we can and must cling to this promise: our current misery is not our eternal end. Suffering may fill your life today, but one day, “in the last time,” salvation will.

Secondly, we can say with confidence that in every moment of suffering, God is present. In the account of Saul of Tarsus’s conversion we find Jesus intimately identifying with His people’s suffering: he says, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4, emphasis added). How could Jesus say “me” when He was in heaven? It was because, through the Spirit, Christ was present with His people. He stood in solidarity with them. His Spirit was with them, guarding them as they walked through valleys toward their day of final salvation. He does the same for us.

You have in the Lord Jesus a Great High Priest who is perfectly able to sympathize with your sufferings (Hebrews 4:15). When you’re tempted to believe the lies that God has abandoned you or that no one else understands where you’ve been or what you’re going through, you can be confident in this: there’s “no throb nor throe that our hearts can know, but He feels it above” (“There is No Love Like the Love of Jesus” by William E Littlewood). And you can be confident in this, too: one day the sorrow will be behind, and only glory will lie ahead. That is a truth in which you can rejoice today, whatever today may hold.

Today’s Updates:

Zach had a calm day today and we received some answers to prayer! Zach’s infection cultures showed no serious blood infection, but instead showed a bacteria that often means the sample was contaminated. Praise God for this! However, since Zach is so vulnerable to new infections, they kept him on the extra antibiotics and removed his central PICC line just in case. They want to be diligent in treating any possible infections so that Zach won’t have more stress on his system.

Zach’s level of awareness is still the same. They decreased his sedation meds today so Zach was more active. We live-streamed a church service with him and he seemed to calm down whenever he heard singing which made us smile. It’s difficult to tell what Zach is hearing and processing, but it is encouraging to share music and see him relax.

They were also able to decrease Zach’s ventilator settings today. The full report of his CT scan from yesterday shows a small decrease in the cyst in the dead space of his lung. This news was encouraging to hear and we pray for further improvements in Zach’s lungs.

Zach gained a small amount of weight today, which was the first time he’s done so since his arrival to the hospital. They increased his tube feeds so they’re slightly “over feeding” him and he’s tolerating the extra food well. We are so thankful to God for this answered prayer, as Zach’s significant weight loss has been difficult to see.

Thank you all for your continued prayers during this long journey, we know that our loving God hears and answers the prayers of his people! Please also join us in thanking God for some answered prayers.

“By God’s power [you] are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” (1 Peter 1:5-6)