Joy in Suffering

Psalm 145:14 The Lord lifts the fallen and those bent beneath their loads.

When we think of being imprisoned, we may think of the Correctional Institutions, bars, cells and guards. Dismal places. What is dismal is in our hearts and minds. We can not overcome this burden unless we keep the Word of God in our life. Christ is the Word and we need to live with the same hope that He died for. He forgave us, He suffered for us and therefore He wants to comfort and uplift us through our trials and tribulations so that we feel Him in our life. Walk with Him. Be more like Him.

Philippians 1:12  And I want you to know this, dear brothers; Everything that has happened to me here has been a great boost in getting out the Good News concerning Christ.

This reference would be Paul’s imprisonment in Philippi.

For everyone around here, including all the soldiers over at the barracks, knows that I am in chains simply because I am a Christian.

Because of my imprisonment, many of the Christians here have lost their fear of chains. My patience has encouraged them and they have become more bold about telling others about Christ.

Can you hear the joy in these words? I do. This brings me comfort knowing that a man can find a purpose within the walls that would make a normal man want to crawl and weep.

Paul was: helping others, ministering to others, sharing the comfort of Christ. We may not be in prison but we we do feel life’s disappointments, in decisions, financial burdens and family conflicts. These chains of suffering can immobilize us. We can be imprisoned within ourselves. How we react to these situations reflects what we believe. We need to demonstrate our faith in “Bad” situations.

In the book of Exodus it tells us. “One cannot overcome without trouble to come over.” I believe the way to my destiny with God is through disappointments and difficulty.

With God we work through our issues because through Him, we can be strengthened. We face the truth- get well with God, no self pity, but powerful to help others.

This is God’s victory!

The Lord turns out difficulties into tools and equipment to minister to other hurting people.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord, the Father of sympathy and the God of every comfort. Who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we may be able to comfort and console those who are in trouble and distress…..If you allow Him to do so!

Satan is wandering around, looking to devour those who do not let God in! Can you say “LUNCH?” We cannot let him in to take over our life.

God takes our burdens and turns them around, it takes God to do that! By working through the problems, the fear subsides, chains are broken, and our faith is stronger.

God tells us that by trusting in Him with our all of our heart, soul and mind, He will use it for our good and His Glory. That is the joy of suffering! No bitterness, but healing for ourselves and helping others. In this we have the value and meaning of life, Hope, Jesus is with us in every step. He would never leave us, forget us or forsake us. God is the truth, and the truth will free us!

Therefore: By entering into the communion with the human suffering, we find relief.

Amen

Yours in Christ,

Sandra L Todd