Joy in Suffering

Joy in suffering. This seems like an oxymoron. How in the world can someone actually have joy in the midst of suffering? First of all, let's be honest, the Bible is not telling people to put on a happy face and fake it. We are fallen people who live in a fallen world with actual enemies of the Gospel in the world. We are going to go through hardship, persecution, sickness, and suffering. When Paul wrote the letter to the church in Philippi, he was suffering: in prison and having survived beatings and other physical hardships. He also realized that this church was facing hostility from people in the culture and that their lives were hard. Yet, Paul gives them the simple clue as to how to find joy. He reminds them that their suffering is purposeful; but even greater, it is actually a gift from Christ Himself and will accomplish something rich and beautiful in them. Suffering will expose our true treasure, and for those who trust in Christ, will enrich our faith.