[04/28/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 04/01/2001 (edited some with passages changed to ESV 04/01/2009)]
Have you ever heard someone say something of which you were sure they must have stated it wrong? “Say what?” “What did you say?” You couldn’t possibly have meant. . . ?” “This is “April Fool’s Day” — right?”
After Paul had referred to rejoicing in hope, he went on to say . . .
“(3) Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, . . . .” (Romans 5:3a ESV)
What? How can we rejoice through sufferings? Would we respond to Paul by saying, “Maybe you, but not me”?
Are suffering and trials fun? Did the first century Christians look at their persecutors and say, “We’re having a great time in the old town tonight!”?
Are suffering and trials enjoyable? Are they the sort of thing we seek out? Do we begin our day by saying, “I think I’ll go get tested by fire today”? There is a big difference between going out looking for trouble and having trials simply come our way!
Are suffering and trials avoidable? Perhaps if we were to coil up somewhere and become a hermit. However, even that might come with its own trials.
There is much about this life that may be perplexing. We may understand these things more fully by and by. However, when facing the various trials of this life, it is the perspective we maintain that makes all the difference. Since suffering and trials are unavoidably connected to this life, how are we to prepare ourselves?
First, realize they will come. Jesus said so. (John 16:33) Peter said so. (1 Peter 4:12) John said so. (1 John 3:13) And Paul’s statement here to the church at Rome acknowledged the fact they come. Don’t be surprised. Don’t think it strange that they come upon us. The suffering and trials may vary in degree, but they will come.
Secondly, be prepared to respond in faith. We need to retain a proper focus in order to keep our sanity in what sometimes seems like an insane world. The light in which we view our trials is what makes the difference. Paul knew trials! Paul knew suffering! Paul knew pain! (Note 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 for a concise list of Paul’s experiences.) Yet he could write to the brethren at Corinth. . .
“(4) I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” (2 Corinthians 7:4 ESV)
Wow! What an attitude! What a perspective! Yes, Paul meant exactly what he said. He knew firsthand it was possible to rejoice even in times of trouble.
Lord willing, we will note tomorrow what Paul went on to point out. He mentioned some specific reasons for rejoicing when we go through suffering and trials. It is true there will be cause for great joy in heaven. However, Paul affirmed there is great cause for rejoicing even now! Therefore, let us rejoice!
Have a great day WELLING UP IN JOY BEFORE GOD!
Carl
