Trials and suffering are a constant part of this life for all of us. Regardless of how much money we make, how healthy we become, or how much education we attain we cannot escape trials and suffering; they are simply part of our lives on this earth. The world offers us its wisdom in battling them. Modern day miracles, like the merchandise of snake oil salesmen from days gone by, offer us the latest and greatest technologies, remedies, and regimens to make our lives, here, glorious and trouble free. Many of the products and services being sold today do save our time, reduce our effort, and make our money go farther, but none them bring us pure joy.  The truth is many of them merely distract us from what is eternal and bring our focus on to be on the temporary and fleeting things of this world.

The Christian, however, is not left to face the trials and suffering of this life with the world’s wisdom and worthless cures. No, we face the same trials and sufferings the world faces, but we face them with pure joy. We have a pure joy that comes from God and His word; a pure joy resulting from God’s promise — the trials and sufferings of this world cannot overcome our faith and hope in God (1 Pet 1:21), nor can they diminish the glory that will be ours in Christ Jesus (Php 3:21).

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, (Rom 5:3-5a NIV) . . . Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4).

Peace,

Jay Don

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