Can you imagine what it would be like if you found it great joy and looked forward to the trial that is up ahead of you? Think for a moment of significant trials that may come your way such as:
Loss of a loved one
Job loss
Financial ruin
Medical crisis
Betrayal
Chronic illness
Do any of us look forward to any of these or any trial for that matter?
Well, Jesus did!
Hebrews 12:2
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus was facing the biggest trial of all of history. He was not only going to be brutally tortured but also abandoned by his father and sent to hell for something he didn’t do.
Yes, it says “for the joy that was set before him”
What would it be like if we had the confidence and trust in God to see beyond the trial to the reward placed on the other side? Would we be able to go beyond the current pain and suffering and see the outcome in such a way that Joy would well up inside this side of the trial?
We all know that on life’s continuum that we will have to navigate multiple trials of all shapes, sizes and magnitude. Some will be self-inflicted and some a total surprise.
I believe the secret behind Jesus ability to experience joy in his trial was because he knew God, his father, our father will always produce good when we put our trust in him. Not just average, ho hum good, but rather God-like good.
For Jesus, the other side of his trial waited eternal life for all mankind, a way back to be reconciled with his father, access to God’s kingdom. Wow! Now that is something to be joyful about, almost excited about. Thousands of years were leading up to this day. I can almost sense Jesus’ anticipation.
Today we too can find joy in the trials that lay ahead. We may not know exactly what the other side of the trial will look like, but we do know with 100% accuracy that it will be good if it’s from God, our father.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.
Can we say we look forward to the next trial with joy?
COME TO ME AND REST. I am all about you, to bless and restore. Breathe me in with each breath. The way just ahead of you is very steep. Slow down and cling tightly to My hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship. Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift. When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things. You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to Me; regain My Presence.
Sarah Young, Jesus Calling
#JustaThought
