Romans 5:3-4
I've heard much over the years that challenged me to rejoice in my suffering. Time has taught me a couple of things that I think I should share in this regard:
1 - One of the greatest gifts that God has given us is gratitude. If we can find the strength within ourselves to praise the God who gives and takes away no matter what out situation, it's a tremendous lift to our spirits.
2 - Sometimes you can't find it in yourself to act on #1, and that's OK. Don't let that fact add guilt to your already onerous situation. Even Jesus, when he suffered at the cross, did not rejoice. "take this cup from me", "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" These are laments, not the sound of rejoicing.
If Jesus can do that, I'm sure that God will understand when we do.
3Not only so, but we[a] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.
I've heard much over the years that challenged me to rejoice in my suffering. Time has taught me a couple of things that I think I should share in this regard:
1 - One of the greatest gifts that God has given us is gratitude. If we can find the strength within ourselves to praise the God who gives and takes away no matter what out situation, it's a tremendous lift to our spirits.
2 - Sometimes you can't find it in yourself to act on #1, and that's OK. Don't let that fact add guilt to your already onerous situation. Even Jesus, when he suffered at the cross, did not rejoice. "take this cup from me", "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" These are laments, not the sound of rejoicing.
If Jesus can do that, I'm sure that God will understand when we do.
