JOY AFTER PAIN

Scripture:  Psalms 30:5b - Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
When you are in the midst of an overwhelming trial/storm, remember one day it will be worth it all when you see Jesus!  By faith, don’t focus on what you are facing now, because things will change.  Either your situation will change or how you deal with your situation will change.   II Corinthians 12:7-10 says “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong”

Be patient!  The Lord is with you while you are in your darkest storms/trials.  Be patient!  The Lord will not put more on you than you can bear.  Be patient!  When we think about our trials now, they may seem hopeless and immense.  We wonder sometimes – when will these things end or will they end?  II Corinthians 4:17-18 says “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  None of our suffering will be wasted.  They will contribute to a joyful weight of glory that we will experience!  Paul, who truly suffered, came to this conclusion by looking at the final product – at the end.
I can’t comprehend how each trial is being used by God to prepare an eternal weight of glory for me, but God knows.  He is sovereign and omniscient.  He has everything in control.  I won’t give up.  I have to trust Him, depend on Him, rely on Him, hope in Him. Romans 8:18 says “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Part of the lyrics of Farther Along are:  Tempted and tried, we’re oft made to wonder. Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us. Never molested, though in the wrong.

Often when death has taken our loved ones. Leaving our home so lone and so drear.
Then do we wonder why others prosper.  Living so wicked year after year.
Chorus:  Farther along we’ll know more about it.  Farther along we’ll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine.  We’ll understand it all by and by.
Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  I’m so glad that joy comes in the morning!  Help me to never give up.  Help me to continue to trust, rely, depend on You in the midst of any storm in my life.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)