The Book of James tells us that we should rejoice in suffering. I’m going to be honest. That’s not my knee-jerk reaction.
But I will also tell you that this is why I think it is so important that Christians immerse themselves in God’s Word, because if we are not careful, we tend to get our sights set on this life and this life alone. Scripture constantly reminds us that this is not our permanent home, and that we are just here for a few moments.
“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” (Heb. 13:14).
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone” (James 4:14).
There are several promises in God’s Word about suffering.
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Rom. 8:16-17).
Did you catch that? His Spirit will TESTIFY that we are His children, and not just children, but HEIRS of God and co-heirs with Christ IF WE indeed share in his suffering.
So when things go south in your life, don’t be shocked. This is why we MUST ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word in order to get us through the storms of life. Because suffering is coming regardless of if you do or do not have Christ. That’s the nature of our world.
If you’re not anchored into Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word, I can promise you this, not only will the storm come, but you will have no comfort in the midst of it. You will have nothing to truly tie yourself to. Jesus is that solid ground that upon which we can stand, and not just stand, but stand firm.
And this is what I want us to see in this blog. If we share in Christ’s suffering, we are qualified to share in his GLORY. So don’t look at your problems as problems. Start looking at them as blessings to mold you and shape you into the image of Jesus Christ. That perspective changes the entire game.
Know that in the storms of life, Jesus is more than enough for any and all circumstances. Get your eyes off of your circumstances and look at the ONE who has already overcome your circumstances.