SUFFERING LEADING TO REJOICING

SUFFERING LEADING TO REJOICING

A friend invited me to lunch.. He told me he lost his wife when she was relatively young. He was left with three children—one had a disability. He lost what he thought was a secure job…. And he said, “nobody told me these kind of things would happen when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord.” You or someone you know, who believe in the Lord, may be wondering about sufferings that have happened to you. God tells us through characters in the Bible that suffering for Him for whatever reason can lead to rejoicing (John 3:16; Psalm 30:5)

JOB. In the biblical book of Job, God said Job was an “upright,” man; however, God allowed Satan or the devil to cause Job much suffering. Satan was permitted to take away all of Job’s possessions and kill his children. He caused Job’s body to be covered with festering sores. The devil also turned Job’s wife against; and convinced his friends to falsely accuse Job of suffering at the hand of God because of his having sinned.

Job questioned God about his suffering. God reminded Job that as his loving Creator, he knows what is best. Evidently, God revealed his redeeming divine Son to Job. For Job said: “I know that my redeemer^[^a^] lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.^[^b^] ²⁶And after my skin has been destroyed, yet^[^c^] in^[^d^] my flesh I will see God” (Job 19:25-26). The Bible tells us “the LORD restored [Job’s] fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10).

JESUS. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on a cross to redeem whoever believes in him as their Savior (Romans 3:23; 6:23). “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Sitting at God’s right hand, he intercedes for believers. And the Lord gives his believers the indwelling Holy Spirit to help them with any suffering they may encounter (john 14:15-17).

One of the criminals who was being crucified beside Jesus, ask Him, “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43).

DISCIPLES OF JESUS…

PAUL said: I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (PHILIPPIANS 3:10). Paul rejoiced in suffering more than other apostle for Christ (2 Corinthians 1:16-33).

And Paul said ‘it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, (Philippians 1:29).

JAMES. said: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4).
PETER said: Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. (2 Peter 4:12).