Recently, as I was reading some articles on the life of the famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon, I noticed, even though he was such a great man of God, he also struggled with deep bouts of depression and chronic illness. And I realised life is filled with struggles, no matter who we are. Even great men and women of faith experienced hardships. Job struggled with suffering, Elijah with discouragement, Paul with weakness, and even Jesus faced rejection, false accusations, and ultimately the cross. Whether it is illness, disappointment, loneliness, family challenges, opposition, every one of us will face seasons of difficulty.
In Matthew 12:14-21, we find Jesus facing intense opposition. The Pharisees were plotting to kill Him, yet His response teaches us how to move from difficulties to victories.
First, Jesus withdrew from the opposition (verse 15). Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is to rest and care for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Taking time to pray, reflect, and recharge is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.
Second, Jesus remained secure in His identity. The Father declared Him to be His chosen and beloved Servant, the One in whom He delights (verse 18). When difficulties come, we too must remember who we are in Christ – loved, accepted, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and called for His purposes.
Third, Jesus invites us to find comfort in Him. Matthew describes Him as One who will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smouldering wick (verse 20). When we are weary, wounded, or discouraged, Jesus meets us with gentleness, compassion, and strength.
Our struggles may not disappear overnight, but God is faithful. As we rest in Him, remember our identity in Him, and find comfort in Him, He gives us the grace to persevere and the strength to overcome.
Whatever challenge you are facing today, take heart. The God who carried His people through every trial is able to carry you too.
Stephan Smithdorff
