Rejoice in your suffering!

Recently, a pastor said to us, “If you are not being attacked, you are doing something wrong.”  I agreed with him wholeheartedly.

I believe that when we are doing what God wants us to do, we will suffer for it, but when we suffer, we should rejoice!

Rejoice because “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8: 28

Rejoice because we are blessed when we suffer for justice’ sake. And, rejoice because we are told to be not be afraid or troubled by their fear. 1 Pet. 3:14

Rejoice when you, with modesty and fear and having a good conscience, are on the receiving end of evil gossip, or false accusations, because your accusers will eventually become ashamed of their talk.  They will see your good behavior as a Christian and will have to eat their words. vs. 17, 18

Rejoice because the trial you experience now will bear in you the sweet fruits of righteousness: long suffering, patience, joy, peace.

And, rejoice because our trials can help to save souls by furthering the gospel. Phil. 1: 12

When we have a right perspective on suffering and what it is meant to do for us, it makes the ordeal a little bit easier to endure!