Devotions: Rejoice in Suffering

 

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1 Peter 1:6-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

In this world we have trouble. It is an unfortunate part of living in a world beset with sin. The result is pain, suffering and death. Yet even in the midst of our suffering we have reason to rejoice. We are blessed by the mercy, salvation, inheritance and protection of God, and nothing in this world can diminish or take those away. However, we have another reason to rejoice: our suffering is not useless. It has a purpose; to prove our faith and purify our souls. If we are unwilling to follow God because we suffer that would be proof that we did not have a saving faith. Enduring through trials, surrendering to God in the midst and praising Him in the end serve to cleanse us, as gold is cleansed by fire, of the sin and impurities within us, and to strengthen us through our growing faith in Him. Everything in our lives, even the bad things, can serve a good purpose. Is that not reason to rejoice and praise God? we go through difficult things in this life, some almost unbearable, but if we remain faithful, submit our lives to God’s will, and trust His plan we will discover blessings we would never find otherwise, and become stronger, wiser and better for it. What are you going through? How can you trust God and submit to His plan? Remain faithful and see what God can do.