Rejoicing In Suffering?

James tells us in verse two and three of his letter, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." This is not the response that we normally would have to trials and tragedies or sufferings and sorrows. But James is telling us that for the Christian we can and should respond in this way.

I love this old hymn:

Some Day We Will Understand

Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.

We’ll catch the broken thread again,
And finish what we here began;
Heav’n will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah then, we’ll understand

We’ll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan;
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
’Tis there, some time, we’ll understand.

God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring hand;
Some time with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, there, up there, we’ll understand.

Maxwell N. Cornelius

Here are a few quotes on suffering that may be a blessing to you.

One woman spoke of suffering in this way, “Without a doubt, what helps us most in accepting and dealing with suffering is an adequate view of God—learning who he is and knowing he is in control.” Joni Eareckson Tada

“Calvary is God’s great proof that suffering in the will of God always leads to glory.” Warren Wiersbe

“Our sorrows and our sufferings are just splinters of His cross.” Anonymous

I trust this video will be an encouragement to you. I am praying for all of you that the Lord will draw near and bring His gracious presence and peace to your hearts at this time.

In Christ, 

Pastor Dickie