Many people in this world suffer and are starving because there is suffering and starvation in this world. I don't just think about hunger for food when I think about starvation. I also reflect on the suffering, the weakness, the fear and the hopelessness that accompanies it. There are many ways to be in pain. There are some people who are suffering due to poverty, sickness, loneliness, and problems in their lives. These circumstances can cause individuals to feel abandoned and powerless.
A lesson I took today was that suffering is not something that God created for man from the beginning. Due to sin many troubles came into this world. However, even while they suffer, God is concerned about His people. The Bible says in Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." This verse is a reminder to me that when there is hurt, God doesn't give up.
I recall that in my life there was a period of time when it was very hard for me to afford both my rent and my food. I would sometimes wonder, "Where will I get my food from today? I was depressed and asked myself what is so difficult about life. In those years, my prayer was greater than ever before. Immediately wasn't the way it was, but I felt God's comfort through the kindness of people, and through His word. Now that I look back, I know those tough times helped me to grow in patience, a humble spirit, and trust in God. Also, I learned about the difficulties of others going through hardship.
There are many instances in the Bible of those who suffered. Job had lost everything – his belongings, his children, his health – but he still trusted God. The Apostle Paul also suffered from many difficulties when he served God. From these examples I am learning that when we suffer, God is not gone. Instead, it can help strengthen our faith and bring us closer to Him.
Mention another lesson from this topic, and it will be that we must help those who are hungry and suffering. We all should be compassionate and loving towards others as Christians. Proverbs 19:17 says, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord." As we show kindness and mercy to others, we show it to God.
Finally, starvation and suffering are not pleasant things, but they do bring us a reminder that we need God. I have found that no matter how bad things get in life, God is still faithful. We are able to have strength to endure through prayer, faith and obedience to His word. Most of all, we must never turn a blind eye to the pain of others, we must be used as an instrument of God's love and compassion.