To Witness to Non-believers
Christians who endure their pain with joy end up being witnesses without even really knowing it. Think of it this way: non-Christians are not impressed by Christians who seem to have it all together, who pretend to have it all together. Christians who have cushy lives and few troubles - non-Christians look at that and they know it is fake. It grates them! It grates them to see a person of God who pretends they have no issues, because they cannot relate to that. It is all just a show, if we are living our lives, our faith lives, that way.
Authentic Christian Faith in Times of Suffering
But when a non-Christian sees a person of God, enduring their pain and difficulties, with hope and with joy, and with tears and struggles but with hope and joy even so, they want to know how they can get that too. They want to know what this unshakable joy is that people of God have.
And so you and I, we endure our crosses in our pain, because, maybe through them God is going to bring someone else to Himself! Maybe in our joy, through our suffering, others will find joy in God. And so that thought keeps us going, keeps us persevering, keeps us enduring in faith.
Christianity is no fake, more-smiles, pretend-everything-is-OK religion. It is a faith journey of much heartache, many crosses to bear. But because of our relationship with God through Jesus, it is one of unspeakable joy.
Finding Joy in God Through Life’s Hardships
Don’t let your hardships overwhelm your joyful friendship with God today. Do not let your troubles flip the wonder of knowing and being loved by the God of the universe.
Hold tight to that love. You will find joy that sustains you. And who knows who might find Jesus when they see you doing it?
Lazarus feasted with Jesus but also had to deal with persecution. This is the Christian life!