Enduring Hardships With Joy

                    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials - James 1:2.

                  Paul said that he rejoiced in his sufferings for the sake of church as suffering in his flesh is a privilege of sharing in the sufferings of Christ. I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church - Colossians 1:24. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness - 2 Corinthians 11:24-27.

               Paul had fought the good fight by enduring all the sufferings with joy. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - 2 Timothy 4:7. Let us endure all hardships with joy, confidence and the strength of God. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry - 2 Timothy 4:5. Trials will make us strong to become more like Christ. I can do all this through him who gives me strength - Philippians 4:13. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world - John 16:33.

                 As our God is faithful to help us by providing a way to escape all temptations, let us endure the hardships with confidence and joy. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it - 1 Corinthians 10:13. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise - Hebrews 10:35,36.                                                  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us to endure all the hardships in life with joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.