HOW TO REJOICE IN SUFFERING
by Erin Warren
I used to struggle with irrational, improbable,
and sometimes paralyzing fear. I begged God
to remove this thorn, to release me from that
struggle…but He didn’t.
One day, while in a mom’s small group
discussion, a friend shared how she overcame her
fear: she memorized scripture. So I found a go-to
verse and memorized it. After that, when fear crept
up, I fought back with this verse: “You will keep
in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).
Eventually, I overcame my fears, but only
because I trained my mind to remain steadfast in
trusting God. I practiced making the Word of God
my gut reaction to any fear that may threaten to
send me spiraling.
We find a similar challenge in 1 Peter 1:1–12.
The book was written around 60 AD, to believers
who were in exile or in danger from Nero, a ruler
best known for his persecution of Christians. The
theme of 1 Peter is how to live a holy, godly life
while under persecution or suffering.
We aren’t promised a happy, perfect, worry-free
life. In fact, in John 16:33, Jesus specifically told
His disciples that they would have trouble in this
world, and Peter was sitting in that room. He was
no stranger to suffering. The years immediately
following Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension
were tumultuous for the first Christians, but Peter
reminded them of a reason to rejoice: their
salvation.
Peter begins verse 3 by praising God for giving
us “new birth into a living hope.” In verse 4, he
reminds us we have “an inheritance that can never
perish, spoil, or fade.” Then, in verses 6 through 9,
he says this:
“In all this you greatly rejoice,
though now for a little while you
may have had to suffer grief in all
kinds of trials. These have come
so that the proven genuineness of
your faith—of greater worth than
gold, which perishes even though
refined by fire—may result in praise,
glory, and honor when Jesus Christ
is revealed. Though you have not
seen him, you love him; and even
though you do not now see him, you
believe in him and are filled with an
inexpressible glorious joy, for you
are receiving the end result of your
faith, the salvation of your souls.”
And that’s what we rejoice in. Even if we are
grieved by trials. Even if we are going through the
fire. Even if we can’t see Him. If we believe, we
rejoice.
The Greek word Peter used for rejoice here is
derived from two words: agan, meaning “much,
very”; and hallomai, meaning “jump, leap.”
Together, they mean “getting so glad one jumps in
celebration.” So, Peter is telling these persecuted
believers to jump for joy in God’s salvation, even
though they are suffering.
Maybe you’re like me though—when confronted
with trial, fear, or hardship, you feel paralyzed. You
know what you’re supposed to do, but how do
you actually do it?
How do you rejoice when you’re paralyzed by
your circumstances?
Make it your gut reaction. Practice by rejoicing
in the greatest gift God has ever given: salvation.
I’m not saying you must always be happy or
that you can’t grieve your circumstances. But the
act of rejoicing has a way of lifting the soul. It shifts
your attention from your circumstances and helps
you focus on the One who saved you.
No matter what happens, no one can take that
promise of eternity away. No matter what you
face, you can rejoice and confidently praise Him
for your salvation.
And that is something to rejoice in.
battle, you can come at the enemy with both
guns blazing. You can tell him authoritatively that
all that matters is what God thinks of you.
Fill your mind with God’s good words, and they
will push out the bad. Then your overburdened
brain and weary soul can experience muchneeded
peace and rest in Him.
The more you plug into His power, the more
peace you’ll have. You’ve got everything within
you to come against the enemy’s plan of keeping
you in a pitiful, chaotic state of mind. Ask the Holy
Spirit, whose power is within every believer, to
help you change your mindset so you can access
more of His power in your life.
God Is Your Provision
My God shall supply all your
need according to His riches in
glory by Christ Jesus
(Philippians 4:19 NKJV).
Another truth to remember when your search
for peace seems daunting is that God is able. His
Word says that He will supply your needs.
Maybe you’re unable to experience peace
today because you’re in need of something that
seems so unattainable, so far beyond anything
anyone can do.
Remember, with God, all things are possible.
Whatever it is that’s weighing heavy on your
heart and mind, whatever it is that’s causing you
to doubt His plan, whatever it is that’s allowing the
enemy to take hold of your mind and steal your
peace—take it to Almighty God in prayer.
Earnestly pour out your heart to Him. Trust that
He knows your every need and that He can deliver
you, comfort you, and provide for you in a way
that no one else can.
He has a plan for you, so tap into His power.
You can be confident that He is able to provide
what you need.
Peace is on the way!
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