Suffering. The older we get, the more we have known it in our own lives, or have seen others experience it. Lately I have noticed in Scripture that joy and suffering are often mentioned together. I began to ponder why. 1st Thessalonians, chapter 1 has a lot to say about this. The Bible tells us that the Thessalonians, patterning themselves after Paul and the Lord Jesus, received the Word with BOTH affliction AND the joy of the Holy Spirit.
Suffering is a part of the Christian life, indeed of every life. In fact, the Apostle Peter says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1st Peter 1:12-13).
In Romans 8:17 & 18, we are told we are “…heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
A common argument I often hear against the existence of God is the reality of suffering in the world – people can’t fathom that a loving God would allow people to experience pain.
However, two seemingly opposing things can be true at the same time. I believe we have to be comfortable with BOTH/AND:
God is good AND we suffer.
God is merciful AND we hurt.
God is faithful AND we have trouble in this life.
God is just AND we experience injustice.
Philippians 3:10 says, “I want to know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his suffering.” To share in his power, we must also share in his suffering.
You take up your cross.
You lose your life to find it.
You die in order to live.
You patiently endure suffering, knowing that it does not compare with the glory to come.
Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, who works now in the lives of believers. A joy that cannot be quenched and is not dependent on circumstances. Part of the joy comes in knowing that He promises a new heaven and a new earth, where we will be in perfect communion with Him once more.
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:3-5).
I believe He will.
Life By The Way 