“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4
When life hits rock bottom, everything is falling apart and nothing seems to be going right. . . rejoice. As crazy as it sounds, it is what God reminds us through His word. Suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us [Romans 5:3-5]. Everything happens for a reason, including hardships.
In the book of Genesis, a man named Joseph is introduced. He was despised by his brothers because of the favor he received from his father. They were jealous. So jealous they plotted ways to kill Joseph but eventually settled on selling him into slavery. But, Joseph’s master found favor in Joseph. However, the master’s wife had favor towards Joseph too. She attempted to seduce him but was never successful and because of this rejection she claimed that Joseph raped her. Joseph was sent to jail. The story continues and the suffering never seems to end. By the end of his life, the purpose in the pain shows and glory be to God!
God puts us through obstacles, not as a punishment, but as part of the plan. If Joseph never went to jail, he would of never met Pharaoh and would of never been in charge of the entire land of Egypt. Joseph’s struggles prepared him for this powerful position and if he was not hated by his brothers, became a slave or gone to jail, he would of not been prepared for his blessings. Although you may not see the light while going through hardships, remember there will always be light at the end of the tunnel, that is God’s promise for his children. The Lord is with us now and forever. When doors seem to be closing, it is because he is creating new ones.
So, how you we rejoice in suffering? Think about the purpose. Hardships are the bridge to your greatness. If you never find the bridge, you will never reach the other side. Although this bridge is covered in rocks, spikes and traps, you know that whatever is on the other side is worth crossing the bridge no matter how difficult it is. God let’s you know that when you do encounter suffering, it is because you are closer to the end of the bridge. You are closer to receiving your blessings and ultimately, closer to your purpose.
Even through the struggle, SmileWithFaith.