1. Hope does not disappoint: Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:3-5)
To rejoice in suffering is a paradox. But for Christians suffering can be the reason for genuine joy because of what it can produce in us. Trials of life produce perseverance-- determination and spiritual stamina to carry on in spite of all the odds against us, humility, good Christian personality and reliable hope. Believers must rejoice and maintain a spirit of joy in the Lord. They are not immune to sorrow, nor should they be insensitive to the troubles of others; yet they should count God's will as their highest joy. His loving grace is all-sufficient for every circumstances of our lives. 2. The light that dispels the darkness: Adoniram Judson went as a missionary to Burma (Myanmar). But he had to learn the language first before he starts preaching. One day he saw a Burmese and out of his eagerness to preach the gospel he impulsively walked up to the man and embraced him. The man went home and reported that he had seen an angel. The living Christ was so radiant in Mr. Judson's countenance that men called him "Mr. Glory-Face." When Christians really come to know the love God has given them, the Christian gospel shines through them as trials and turmoil of life faded away into the background. When the spirit of gladness and thankfulness rules the heart, light springs up to dispel the darkness and gloom. 3. Strength in weakness: In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul said, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." There are times in our lives when we are at our lowest, times when we feel doomed because the trials confronting us seem too formidable to overcome. However, even during those moments God has a purpose for us with his best of intention. Those are the times when God wants us to stop depending on our own strength or intelligence and rely fully on him. Our weakest moment becomes our strongest moment when God takes control of our lives and we rest upon the strength of God. 4. Let's sing in the rain: A saintly woman suffering for weary months in painful illness said to her pastor: "I have such a lovely robin that sings outside my window. In the early morning, as I lie here, he serenades me." Then, as a smile brightened her thin features, she added, "I love him, because he sings in the rain." That is the most beautiful thing about the robin. When the storm has silenced almost every other songbird, the robin sings on.. sings in the rain. That is the way the Christian who is with Christ must do. Anybody can sing in the sunshine; you and I should sing on when dark clouds pour out their rains, for Christ is with us. We will sing in the rain!
