For I know the plans that I have for you,' says the Lord, 'plans for your welfare, and not for calamity, to give you hope and a future. You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' says the Lord. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

These past few months, the Lord is showing me how much people are hurting. A lot of people are suffering. Some of them because of their own fault, a lot probably not due to their own fault.

A lot of questions are asked like why does a good God allow sufferings? Why does a child have to suffer? Why do I suffer when I have done nothing wrong, I live a good life and have not harmed anyone, why am I suffering?

The answers to these questions will depend on one's situation. One thing we need to remember is God does not want us to suffer for the sake of suffering. Catholics believe that sin is the root cause of sufferings. Our sins, no matter how private have an effect on other people. Jesus himself, the Sinless One suffered.

We may not be able to know the reason for our sufferings this side of life. But the important thing is we know God is with us. The passage above tells us God's plan for us is for our welfare. He wants to give us hope and a future.

No one wants to suffer. So we should not go out and actively seek sufferings. But when these do come, we can pray for wisdom on how to handle them. There are no hard and fast rules on how to handle these situation since each situation is unique.

Some situations may require us to stand up and fight. Others may require us to sit and wait for God's help. Whatever the case, we believe God is always with us through difficulties, fear and sadness. He may seem absent at that time but we know and trust he is true to his word.

Sometimes, sufferings may last for a short time. Other times, these may last for a long time. God can work through all these. St. Paul said “All things work together for the good of those who love God and those who are called according to his purpose.” As we said, God does not want us to suffer. But he can use these for our good.

He uses these to draw us closer to him. Often, people tend to call on God only during difficult times. And as promised through Jeremiah, we will find God when we seek him. Sufferings are opportunities to trust in God. We trust in his goodness. We trust in his power. We trust in his mercy.

It is only in times of despair and helplessness that we realize how powerless we are and how much we need God's help. When we do let God take charge of our situation, it does not mean the situation will be better immediately. We get a sense of confidence that we are in good hands. We know God will not forsake us and whatever happens will be for our benefit.

When we are in difficult times, it does not matter where we are going, what matters is who we are following. If we are following God, then we know he will lead us to our place in heaven.

Lord, lead me through difficult times. I trust in you.