Today's scripture: Colossians 1:24
Rejoicing in suffering goes against society norms. How one could find anything
good in pain and affliction is a complete contradiction to nonbelievers.
Yet throughout the Bible, especially the New Testament, followers of Christ are
told to expect suffering. And, yes, even rejoice in it. James, the brother of
Jesus, wrote that we are to "consider it all joy" when we face trials
or difficult times (James 1:2). Why? Because God will use our suffering for His
glory.
And again, our non-believing friends don't get it. They say, "Why would a
loving God allow His children to suffer?"
The Bible says a lot about this very thing. If we continue to read the passage
from James, we learn that going through trials will one day make us
"perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (v. 4).
In another letter, Paul wrote that his suffering helped him to realize from
where his strength really came: God Himself. He discovered that it was only in
his weakness that he came to rely solely on God, and therefore, he could say
with conviction, "... when I am weak, then I am strong" (2Corinthians 12:10).
I know this is true. When I lived under my own "strength," I often
failed. Yet, because of chronic health issues that keep me relatively weak, I
find strength in Jesus. He's with me, walking alongside me ... often carrying
me.
And so I can rejoice in my suffering because it draws me closer to my Lord God.
Even more, my suffering makes me long for eternity, for the day when I can
stand whole and strong before my God.
No comments:
Post a Comment