By Don Elmore, Retired Pastor of Temple Baptist Church, Springdale, AR
Read James 1:2-4.
An unfortunate reality is that you will suffer in this life. Another reality is that sanctification is a long process that lasts a lifetime. Life as a believer can be hard. We all share in suffering, pain, loss, and heartache. As a believer, you will face life-shortening experiences that will momentarily paralyze you, BUT GOD always means for good. Everything that comes into your life is always “Father-Filtered.”
Everything that comes into your life is always “Father-Filtered.”
All suffering is an opportunity for pure joy.
Joy in suffering does not come from the surface or the superficial aspect of life. It comes from a deep, intimate, abiding relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. The toughest and strongest of trees grow when exposed to the mightiest of winds. Similarly, as Christians, we grow the most when exposed to trials, like a tree planted by the river that brings its fruit in its season.
In one of the greatest heartaches of my life, I walked a path with my daughter as she delivered twin boys at twenty weeks with both passing away. It was not joyful carrying my twin grandsons from the delivery room to the funeral car. However, after many years, it is a joy to see my daughter in ministry with women going through similar experiences. The saying is true: God never wastes a hurt. In fact, some of our most fulfilling ministry stems from our deepest suffering, bringing joy that is unspeakable and full of glory.
In the process of sanctification, we are developed into the person our Father has in mind for us to be. All the pain and suffering that takes place within the life of an individual has a purpose to develop character and maturity. John chapter 15 calls this process “pruning” and is the very thing, though very painful, that causes more fruit to be borne in the believer’s life.
God never wastes a hurt.
Living life as a believer with all its various trials is the very thing that Scripture calls “the trying of your faith,” and this is what our Lord uses to grow us spiritually, bringing patience to perfection. So, we should never rebel against what God allows into our lives because He is working His plan, and by all means, it is for our good. That’s why “in everything we can give thanks” moves us from complaining to genuine joy.
Reflective Questions:
- How do you handle suffering? How would those closest to you say you handle suffering?
- Have you experienced joy as a result of a specific trial? What were the circumstances of the trial, and how did you ultimately experience joy? How could joy come through what you are going through now?
- At what point can you be genuinely thankful for your pain?
Memory Verse:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails. James 1:2
Prayer:
Dear God, I am thankful that when difficult times in life come, they have all been “Father-filtered.” It is difficult for me but help me to count it all joy when challenging times come. Help me not to lose my focus but rather stay focused on You. I claim the promise that patience will have its perfect work, and I will grow closer to You as a result.
Related Scripture:
I Peter 1:6-8; II Corinthians 12:9-10; Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 5:3-4; Hebrews 10:36; I Peter 5:10; Galatians 6:9
Thank you, Don. Joy does come in the morning.