Joy; Through It All!
04/10/09 20:58
When I think
of the array of emotions that are brought on by the
trials of life, joy isn’t one of them! It seems
so absurd to be happy or joyful during the grievances
of tribulation. Yet, rejoicing and exceeding gladness
is what our Lord wants us to express when we are
suffering such things as persecutions, false
testimonies and the like.
Paul said that we rejoice in sufferings because we know that trials produce perseverance; perseverance brings on character; and character produces hope. Hope does not disappoint. James tells us that trials offer the opportunity for us to grow into maturity and become complete, lacking no good thing.
Now, I truly believe that none of these men, including our Lord Himself are suggesting that we hold a careless, giddy attitude in the midst of trials. Trials are problems; problems need fixed; and there is no place for fickleness in the thick of battle. God brings trials into our lives so that we may learn how to overcome them. Getting the victory over a certain battle, or acing a test can prove very fulfilling.
Even if we lose a battle we should be positive that we would not lose the war. Woodrow Wilson once said, “I would rather lose in a cause that will some day win, than win in a cause that will some day lose.” Elihu warned Job, “Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.” Job36:21
If we do what we have to (even if it means sinning) to get out of our trials, then we’ve missed the opportunity that God provided for our growth and lost sight of the big picture all together. Is it really advantageous to compromise our faith so that we will not suffer as much? I don’t think so.
When a man cheats on his taxes so that he can have a few more dollars to spend at the moment, he really cheats himself in the long run. Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this life, but be of good cheer, He has overcome this life.
I know of couples who consider living together wrong, yet, they still do it because it is better for them financially. Really? It will cost them big in the end. There was a Christian man who was hired by an accounting firm. The man’s employer came to him one day after hiring him and asked if he would change some numbers for him on a certain account of a friend. The Christian man went home that night very troubled. He knew that changing the numbers was wrong and against the law, but if he didn’t change the numbers, it would mean his job because the account in consideration was that of a friend of the employer. The next day he walked into his boss’s office and told him that he could not change the numbers as that would be wrong and he feared God, and wanted to do the right thing. The employer looked up from his work and his face brightened. A smile came upon his face and he told the new employee that not only was he going to keep his job, but that he would also receive a raise for his honesty and integrity. He was just the kind of employee that this boss wanted.
No matter the trial, God is more interested in our character rather than our situation. As Christians we have the advantage of knowing that our cause will win in the end. Why? Because if God be for us, who then can be against us? Beloved, joy is a gift God gives to His children who have their sights on the big picture rather than the moment. The famous quarterback for the New York Jets Joe Namath, was once interviewed after a rather physical game. Through all the bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, the smiling superstar said, “Nothing hurts when you win.”
And finally, Jesus has promised us, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Have a God blessed week!
Pastor Jim
Paul said that we rejoice in sufferings because we know that trials produce perseverance; perseverance brings on character; and character produces hope. Hope does not disappoint. James tells us that trials offer the opportunity for us to grow into maturity and become complete, lacking no good thing.
Now, I truly believe that none of these men, including our Lord Himself are suggesting that we hold a careless, giddy attitude in the midst of trials. Trials are problems; problems need fixed; and there is no place for fickleness in the thick of battle. God brings trials into our lives so that we may learn how to overcome them. Getting the victory over a certain battle, or acing a test can prove very fulfilling.
Even if we lose a battle we should be positive that we would not lose the war. Woodrow Wilson once said, “I would rather lose in a cause that will some day win, than win in a cause that will some day lose.” Elihu warned Job, “Beware of turning to evil, which you seem to prefer to affliction.” Job36:21
If we do what we have to (even if it means sinning) to get out of our trials, then we’ve missed the opportunity that God provided for our growth and lost sight of the big picture all together. Is it really advantageous to compromise our faith so that we will not suffer as much? I don’t think so.
When a man cheats on his taxes so that he can have a few more dollars to spend at the moment, he really cheats himself in the long run. Jesus told us that we would have tribulations in this life, but be of good cheer, He has overcome this life.
I know of couples who consider living together wrong, yet, they still do it because it is better for them financially. Really? It will cost them big in the end. There was a Christian man who was hired by an accounting firm. The man’s employer came to him one day after hiring him and asked if he would change some numbers for him on a certain account of a friend. The Christian man went home that night very troubled. He knew that changing the numbers was wrong and against the law, but if he didn’t change the numbers, it would mean his job because the account in consideration was that of a friend of the employer. The next day he walked into his boss’s office and told him that he could not change the numbers as that would be wrong and he feared God, and wanted to do the right thing. The employer looked up from his work and his face brightened. A smile came upon his face and he told the new employee that not only was he going to keep his job, but that he would also receive a raise for his honesty and integrity. He was just the kind of employee that this boss wanted.
No matter the trial, God is more interested in our character rather than our situation. As Christians we have the advantage of knowing that our cause will win in the end. Why? Because if God be for us, who then can be against us? Beloved, joy is a gift God gives to His children who have their sights on the big picture rather than the moment. The famous quarterback for the New York Jets Joe Namath, was once interviewed after a rather physical game. Through all the bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, the smiling superstar said, “Nothing hurts when you win.”
And finally, Jesus has promised us, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Have a God blessed week!
Pastor Jim
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