We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. – Romans 5:3-4 NLT
During the season of my wife’s passing, I felt like God had abandoned me. I felt like I was all alone in my suffering. I didn’t have answers, and I felt like God wasn’t providing them. How could I possibly rejoice in the midst of this crushing pain?
Then, one day when I was reading my Bible, I stumbled across Philippians 3:10-11, which says, “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
I realized the apostle Paul was sharing something that I desperately needed. To experience life, we must embrace death. To experience resurrection, we must encounter the reality of the cross. To experience heaven’s reward, we must endure suffering here on earth. Pain and joy can co-exist. So often in life, the celebratory moments are mixed with tears as trial and triumph quietly sit side by side until all things are made new when Jesus returns.
Believers and unbelievers alike all experience suffering. For every believer, God uses our pain as an invitation to come and know Jesus relationally and emotionally deeper than before, and shape us into more of His likeness. You and I need to remember that our trials aren’t meaningless, but like Paul, we can bear the momentary pain in this life and joyfully remember that it is our privilege to be joined with Christ in His suffering.
I eagerly await the day when there’s no more pain and suffering, the day when I will finally get to see Jesus face to face, wrap my arms around my beautiful bride again, and experience family and friends in the perfection of heaven. Until then, my prayer is that both joy and pain will always lead me to the One who sovereignly holds the world in His hands.
Dig Deeper
1. Has there ever been a moment when joy and pain co-existed in your life at the same time?
2. Based on Romans 5:3-4, how is God developing your endurance and strengthening your character through the trials you’re currently facing?
