And This Too Shall Pass
Weve heard these words almost all our lives from well-meaning friends to fine people and many think that it came from Biblical Scripture, but nowhere in Scripture are these exact words found. What we can find in searching Scripture are the many things God does tell us about suffering, pain and hard times. We are now facing dramatically, severely and historically tough times with this Coronavirus pandemic.
We and all of humanity are now facing this global catastrophe but there is always the good news that God never leaves us alone. He never leaves us in hard times to wallow in a sea of loneliness and despair. Robert H. Schuller, noted evangelist and motivational speaker said, Tough times never last, tough people do, and we are a tough people thanks to our faith. As Catholics and Christians we are instilled, by God, with that five letter word FAITH which gives us that four letter word HOPE. Our hope is in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior and He will bring us through this timely horror. As Psalm 91 says so well, we have security under Gods protection.
Again, God works in unique ways. We as a nation have experienced many terrible moments like the Coronavirus, from the catastrophe of the Great Depression in the 1930s, Pearl Harbor in 1941, September 11, 2001, to countless hurricanes and fires. However, time and again weve seen how all these catastrophes have brought us closer together as a people, as a nation, and as a world.
We Will Emerge As Gold When It Passes
But he knows the way that I take when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold, Job 23:10.
The darkest places are often the most beautiful. This is how diamonds are made this is how gold is formed. We are born with an inexhaustible beauty that will last for many years, thanks to the heat and pressure of difficult circumstances. We will emerge as true, tested, proven, and reliable. We are just passing through, but God knows our path. We are not meant to remain stuck in our trials or pain. He reminds us that we will get out on the other side. We will never be the same, but we will be transformed for the better, stronger, and more beautiful from the inside.
The person who walks out of the place where great suffering is experienced will be different from the one who entered it. It is possible to be sure that Gods work in us is not for harm but to strengthen, to build deeper character, faith, and to make us gold and leave lasting impressions for His glory.
Be Gracious To Me O Lord For I Am Languishing O Lord Heal Me For My Bones Are Shaking With Terror My Soul Also Is Struck With Terror While You O Lordhow Long Psalm : 2
Be present in all things and thankful for all things. Maya Angelou. Life comes with ups and downs. I don’t like the downs because it often feels like there are too many of them. But I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the ups if there were no downs.
Say to those who are of a fearful heart, Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you. Isaiah 35:4 NRSV. Seek comfort in a higher power, whatever that may look like for you!
Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. Mandy Hale. Now is the perfect time for growth. Opportunities present themselves during times of massive change. Take the time to feed your mind. Prepare yourself for opportunities.
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. Maya Angelou. The caterpillar transforms itself into the beautiful butterfly.
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The Origins Of ‘this Too Shall Pass’
Lets get to the heart of the matter: this exact phrase isnt stated in the Bible. There are several verses that are very close to the wording, but the exact phrase of this too shall pass cannot be found in the pages of Gods Word.
According to an article from Christianity.com, the phrase may be pinpointed to a well-known figure within the biblical text, that of the wise King Solomon. There is an ancient Jewish story involving the king, where King Solomon wanted to humble his wisest of servants by asking him to find a magic ring that would make a sad person happy and a happy person sad. When the servant couldnt find such a thing, King Solomon had a ring made bearing this phrase in Hebrew, Gam ze yaavor, which means, this too shall pass .
Some believe that this phrase may have conveyed to the king that this, meaning his fortune, will pass from him as well, which in some ways it did. One interpretation conveys that the servant was successful in his mission from King Solomon and presented him this ring with the inscription on it, thus surprising and unnerving the king in realizing his wealth would soon slip away.
Christ Is Our Comfort And We Can Comfort Others
Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:4-5.
We cant help someone who is suffering or has experienced hardship in their life. Only through our own suffering, grief, and hardship can we gain a better understanding of the lives of others. It is a great comfort to know that God will help us through what we have been through, regardless of how difficult. Christ suffered and was tempted by all things so we can rest assured that He is fully aware of all we go through in this life. The world can seem dark and difficult. We need people who will be open to suffering and offer grace and compassion. In a society where material wealth, easy living, and self-indulgent ways are all common, this is not always easy. However, using our own hardships to help someone else is one of the best ways to make a difference in this world for Christ.
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This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse
I was quite surprised when I found out via keyword research that many, many people apparently think that the saying, this too shall pass, is a Bible verse. Thousands of people search Google for the “Bible verse” every month. However, the saying certainly does not come from the Bible. According to no less a source than Wikipedia , it seems to come down from the Sufis: Muslim mystics.
It is understandable that people would think that this saying is in the Bible, though, as it certainly does express a great deal of wisdom. It reminds me of the great insights of the famous Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who said that all is flux. It is also reminiscent of the Buddha, who taught the wonderful concept of anicca . The wisdom is this: whatever your present situation may be, whether wonderful or horrible, it certainly won’t last. So if you’re on top of the world, don’t get overly excited about it, or you’ll set yourself up for disappointment. And if you’re in the pits, don’t quit hoping, since things might always get better.
After I found out that so many people search online for the location of the “This Too Shall Pass Bible Verse”, I began to wonder what other sayings were most commonly misattributed to the Judeo-Christian scriptures. After a few more hours of keyword and search-popularity research, a few more stood out.
Boring disclaimer about the sources referenced in prior section:
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
We Are Renewed Daily And We Have Eternal Hope
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version
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We Learn Greater Perseverance Strength And Endurance Through Suffering
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance,James 1:2-3.No one wishes for hard times in life. No one asks for suffering or storms. No one longs to wade through deep rivers of hurt, rejection, and pain, or to try to find your way out of the darkness of confusion and doubt. Yet if weve lived long enough, we know that this is all a part of life. Maybe thats why God reminds over and over in His word that trials are a part of our journey. Its what makes us stronger, gives us endurance, builds our faith.Throughout his word, God tells us to choose joy in whatever we face, confident that He is working even through every trial and hard place, to bring us greater perseverance. We never gain greater strength and spiritual muscles simply by living an easy life. We can only build deeper faith by walking through the hard times that press us more closely into His Presence. Every biblical hero through the pages of the Word were tested and strengthened, not through simple, easy times, but through great times of suffering and difficulty. This should give us hope even today, that God knows our way, and the testing of our faith will produce endurance. Its for far greater purposes than we may even realize.
We Have Victory And Peace Through Christ
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,John 16:33.
God reminds us there will be trouble in this world, and we can surely expect it, but Hes already overcome it all. Hes already victorious. And that same power works in us today, giving us the courage and strength we need to persevere and overcome. True and lasting peace can never be found anywhere in this world but through Him. People will seek for it everywhere, in money, in possessions, in popularity, in success, even in other people. But when troubles hit, these things will never last, theyre never intended to get us through our most trying days. Only in Christ, do we find the peace and power we need to rise above the darkest times.
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Suffering Reminds Us That Lasting Joy And Peace Is Found In Christ
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13 New International Version
First Of All The Lord Is Our Comfort From His Comfort We Are Able To Comfort Others
Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:4-5.The Holy Spirit is also called Comforter in the Scriptures. He brings healing and comfort to our weary hearts and we can share this comfort with those who are also cast down in their hearts.
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What Does The Bible Say About Suffering In Hard Times
The Bible instructs believers to endure suffering with the knowledge that God can see us through any circumstance. Even Jesus endured the cross because He knew what was waiting on the other side of it.
Gods word does not say that we will not suffer. But it does instruct us on how we should handle the trials and tribulations of our daily lives. Specifically, we are instructed to trust God even when we cant trace God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5 New International Version
Bible Readings: And This Too Shall Pass
Alberta Vadnais
I love finding ways to feel God in my day, whether Im going to work or cooking dinner. I make sure Im connected to Him by listening to Bible stories, sermons, praying, and singing praise songs. All the apps I test are introduced into my everyday life so that I can feel their usability on a daily basis.
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We Are Comforted Through Christ And Are Able To Comfort Others
Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ,2 Corinthians 1:4-5.
Unless we experience difficulty and suffering in this life, we cant truly help another soul who faces loss and pain. Its only through our own pain and grief, or hardship, that we can have a fuller understanding of what others walk through as well. Theres great comfort in knowing that God will use what we have experienced, no matter how difficult, to help someone else. Christ Himself suffered and was tempted in all things, so we can be assured that He truly understands all that we walk through in this life. This world can be a hard place, the darkness can feel heavy for so many, we desperately need those who are willing to notice the suffering around them and reach out with the compassion and grace of Jesus. Thats not always popular in a society that boasts of material riches, selfie ways, and easy living. But using our own hard times to help another soul is one of the most powerful ways to leave a mark for Christ in this world.
Christ Comforts Us And We Comfort Others
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 New International Version
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Suffering Reminds Us Where True Joy And Lasting Hope Are Found
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing1 Peter 4:12-13.God tells us not to be surprised at the troubles we face, but to keep on rejoicing. And Ive needed to let that sink deep again, even in recent times.Keep on rejoicing.Its a choice. And it can be a very difficult one when facing great loss, suffering, and the pressure of hard places. But truly, its the only way to live free. When we choose to rejoice, not being thankful for the hard times, but in the hard times, we are pushing back on enemy ground. The devil would love nothing else but to defeat us in despair, to stop us in our tracks. But when were choosing not to allow our circumstances and feelings to get in the way of what we know to be true, thats powerful and life-changing. And we know this: Christ suffered greatly on our behalf, and to share in his sufferings and remember that we are victorious through him, is all the reason we need to keep looking forward with hope and joy in the days still ahead.
Who Said This Too Shall Pass
One of the most famous characters of History used these words to include them in his political speech. We are talking about Abraham Lincoln, who spoke in front of the audience of agricultural Society of Wisconsin, in 1859.
Lincoln wentpresident of the United States from 1861 to 1865, which means that speech waspronounced before his presidential nomination.
On that occasion, he mentioned the mythical Persian fable to frame his latest ideas.
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Who Said The Quote This Too Shall Pass
It was employed in a speech by Abraham Lincoln before he became the 16th president: It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: And this, too, shall pass away.
Through Suffering We Learn More Perseverance Strength Endurance And Resilience
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, James 1:2-3.
Nobody wishes for hardship in their lives. Nobody asks for pain or suffering. Nobody wants to be swept away by the torrents of rejection, pain, and hurt or to struggle to find their way through the fog of doubt and confusion. But if youve lived enough, you know this is part of life. Perhaps thats why God repeatedly reminds us in His Word that trials are part of our journey. It is what makes us stronger and gives us endurance. It also builds our faith.
Gods word teaches us to find joy in every situation, knowing that He will bring greater perseverance to us despite all the difficulties. Living an easy lifestyle will not make you stronger or more spiritually savvier. Walking through difficult times can help us grow in faith. Each of the biblical heroes who walked through the pages of Scripture was tested and strengthened not through easy, simple times but through difficult times. This should be a reminder that God is in control and will test our faith to give us strength. It is for greater purposes than we might realize.
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