The other night I was able to sit out under the stars and marvel at the wonder of God’s creation and it reminded me of how throughout the New Testament we find verse after verse listing all the benefits of those who are in Christ Jesus. Verses that seem to sparkle like those stars in the night sky, randomly scattered throughout the Word of truth – for all who will take time to see them. Like what we find in Romans chapter 5 as Paul says we can be given peace with God; no longer separated from Him through sin, but rather redeemed through the precious blood of Jesus Christ. In Christ we are enabled to approach the throne of grace for mercy to find help in time of need, what a great reminder.
But then Paul also reminds us in verse 3, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings…” Rejoicing in suffering is not our normal reaction to troubles, is it? At least they are not a twinkling light I want to identify. Yet, he is not suggesting that we simply have to grin and bear the trials and tribulations as best we can. Rather he is reminding us in verses 3-5 to keep looking at the stars of God’s goodness—that these troubles can lead us closer God, as he encourages us not to complain. Rather to remember that suffering for the sake of Christ, is a badge of honor for the saint of God.
We are not called to rejoice because we are suffering. But we are to maintain an attitude of thanksgiving and praise in the midst of our suffering. “…knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,—something we all need more of today—and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Now that’s a star I need to see in the midst of the darkness around.
May our lives be lived as a testimony to God’s goodness and grace. As Php 2:13-16 says, “God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey him. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God…Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.”
Chaplain David