ROMANS 5:3-5 UNUSUAL JOY
It is not out of the ordinary for believers to rejoice when God is honored and glorified. In fact, that is what we live for now and hope for as we look into the future. But to rejoice in suffering is not what we would consider a cause for joy. For the early believers, suffering for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ was not the exception but was the normal rule. The future was bright but the present for them was beset with on-going difficulties that had to be overcome or endured.
To a lesser degree as far as physical suffering is concerned, we too are called upon to persevere in times of suffering. It is more likely that our most serious difficulties in the Christian life will be the pressure to conform to the moral, social and religious lifestyle of the world and be tempted by the materialism that abounds all around us, rather than by physical abuse and pain. These times are cause for rejoicing because our spiritual development increases during these difficult experiences. The tribulations that come challenges us to endurance in the midst of times of perplexity. Endurance in turn develops character which gives a sense of approval by God. This then brings the hope that does not make us ashamed because God's love is directed upon us with favor.
Each day we live will bring us some experiences that will test our patience. These will provide opportunities for our growth, leading us to maturity as the Holy Spirit works in us to further our spiritual development. God has designed a process that brings us, and keeps us, into a happy state of soul that is not dependent on smooth comfortable living and freedom from hard circumstances. The Holy Spirit within us spreads the love of God in our hearts as an inner witness that the God of love, and the love of God, is there in times of trial, testing and need. God's marvelous grace changes this potential weakness into a time of strength that builds our character, our trust in God and our confidence in the future.
Some of the choicest saints of God have done their greatest service for God when they are shut up to God alone. John Bunyan certainly did not waste his years of imprisonment in self-pity. The "Pilgrims Progress" and other of his writings have blessed God's people for generations. Imprisoned missionaries, believers in concentration camps and saints bound by the ravages of pain upon the bed have brought blessing to many and glory to God when God's strength was made perfect in their weakness. Adverse circumstances produce strong faith. Strong faith produces grace in the soul. Grace in the soul produces glory for God. Glory for God produces hope for the future. All of this produces an unusual joy in the suffering believer as well as the joy in the peace that has been made with God.
What are these songs that arise in the darkness; That envelops those who lie in bondage and chains? Where is the voice, the ones who will hearken; As hearts break out in praise in spite of their pains? These prayerful tunes of testimony, of glory, of praise - Come from patient sufferers who have real hope in God. Chained by the extremities but with free hearts they raise Voices in testimony as to their trust in the Lord.
Sufferers all over this whole world have experienced Times when God allows His loved ones to pass through Pressures unrelenting with no hope of transference - That the character of Christ in them will be proved to be true. So, the process goes on until there comes a day When God lifts the burden, and some lessons we have learned Rising from the pressing suffering, we go another way, And the treasure that follows is one that is earned.
The circumstances we thought were a punishing thing Turned out to be opportunities God gave us to grow. At the first we resisted all that the suffering did bring - Now we have found out there were things we needed to know. Looking back, we are made aware that we were like a child, When we complained and asked God that these pressures be lifted. From this perspective we see the benefits when we all did yield - And God was glorified when through suffering we were sifted.
I hope I have learned that not all suffering is bad. I would be as weak as water if everything was good. The problems and tensions that tended to make me sad - Have turned out to be blessings to make me what I should. God has the right to send me what is needed - He is looking for me to be conformed to the image of His Son.
I am wise when the lessons to which I have heeded - Have matured me and molded me before they were done.
"Father God, this life I live seems to be fuller every day. Truths come into my mind unbidden and give me a joy as they are unfolded to me. Opportunities to serve Thee seem to be continually around me keeping me in a state of living faith. Thou hast given Linda and me health and strength and I praise and thank Thee for this. Please Father, help us to honor and glorify Thee in ways that are suitable to Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."