ONE DAY AT A TIME. IN CHRIST.
Suffering, Endurance, and Faith
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
— Matthew 6:11
Today we reflect on a single day.
Not a dramatic rescue.
Not a miracle deliverance.
Just one faithful day.
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich tells the story of a man enduring unjust imprisonment in a Soviet labor camp.
And yet, as the day ends, he reflects that it was—almost—a happy day.
Why?
Because he survived with dignity.
Because he worked honestly.
Because he endured.
The Bible—and the writings of Ellen G. White—tell us that endurance itself is a victory.
Undeserved Suffering
Ivan Denisovich Shukhov is not imprisoned for a proven crime.
Like Job, like Joseph, like Daniel—he suffers without explanation.
Scripture says:
“All this has come upon us; but we have not forgotten You.”
— Psalm 44:17
Ellen G. White writes:
“The trials of life are God’s workmen to remove the impurities and roughness from our character.”
— Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 10
And again:
“God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning.”
— The Ministry of Healing, p. 479
We often ask why—
God often teaches us how to trust.
Daily Bread, Daily Grace
Shukhov’s entire day revolves around bread.
A crust saved.
A spoonful guarded.
A meal eaten slowly, with gratitude.
Jesus taught us to pray not for lifetime provision—but for today.
Ellen G. White reminds us:
“Do not anticipate troubles or worry about what may never happen. Live in the present, and trust the Lord for the future.”
— Steps to Christ, p. 70
And again:
“One day’s trouble is enough for one day. When tomorrow comes, its burdens will be lightened by the grace of Christ.”
— Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 101
Faith does not demand tomorrow’s strength.
It asks only for today’s trust.
Work as Worship
In the freezing cold, Shukhov lays bricks carefully.
He aligns them straight.
He takes pride—not in rebellion—but in excellence.
Scripture tells us:
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.”
— Colossians 3:23
Ellen G. White writes:
“It is the faithful discharge of everyday duties that brings true success.”
— Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 359
And:
“Character is built by little acts, repeated day by day.”
— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 657
The world may control circumstances—
but character remains a choice.
Faith Behind Bars
In the camp is Alyoshka, a quiet believer.
He reads Scripture secretly.
He speaks of joy without bitterness.
Paul once wrote from prison:
“I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.”
— Philippians 4:11
Ellen G. White affirms:
“Faith grows strong by coming in conflict with doubts and opposing influences.”
— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 555
And:
“Religion is not merely a feeling. It is a principle that binds the soul to God.”
— The Desire of Ages, p. 302
Chains cannot bind faith.
Walls cannot imprison hope.
Endurance Is Victory
At day’s end, Shukhov reflects:
-
He was not punished
-
He was not sick
-
He worked well
-
He ate enough
It was—almost—a happy day.
Scripture calls this endurance:
“Here is the patience of the saints.”
— Revelation 14:12
Ellen G. White writes:
“Endurance is the crowning grace of character.”
— Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 81
And:
“Those who suffer for Christ now will reign with Him hereafter.”
— Early Writings, p. 271
Victory is not always escape.
Sometimes, victory is remaining faithful.
Closing Reflection
Jesus Himself prayed:
“Not My will, but Yours be done.”
— Luke 22:42
If today feels long…
If endurance feels unnoticed…
Heaven counts every faithful day.
Prayer :
“Lord, teach us to trust You one day at a time.
Give us daily bread, daily strength, and daily faith.
May our endurance glorify You,
until suffering gives way to everlasting joy.
Amen.”
