Trading Sorrows

 

It is not always easy to trade our sorrows for the joy of the Lord. We could quote verses after verses and try to convince ourselves that God's grace is sufficient for us.  Paul probably was going through a time of unbearable pain and I wouldn't be surprised if God reminded him, "Remember how you persecuted my people before I met you on the road to Damascus? How does it feel to be persecuted for my sake?"  Yet
God was so compassionate and spoke to him in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  If I were to paraphrase it, I would put it in a rather blunt manner, "Paul, please shut up, my grace is sufficient for you." 

 

Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses.  His strength is made perfect in our weakness.  Thus his grace is manifested and magnified.  When we are
weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace. 

Prayer is a weapon for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer.  If an answer were not given to the first prayer, or to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant
in prayer.  Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he
sometimes denies in love.  When God does not take away our troubles and trials, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. 

Like Paul, I've got my fair share of ups and downs in life.  God never promised life would be a bed of roses.  Even the most beautiful rose has got its thorns, right?  Hence, I've decided not to ask God one famous question people used to asked, "Why me Lord?"  Instead, I'll have a good cry and then tell God, "Lord, I've cried enough and I've no more tears left.  I'm trading my tears and pain for joy only you can give!" (cf. Matthew 5:4) and also because "...the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). Easier said than done? Sometimes God had to repeat the same trial(s) again and again until we learn our lesson.  Not until then can we blossom from a flower bud into a complete beautiful rose.  Job's version is stated in Job 23:10, "But He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." 

I've made up my mind that my journey in Christ would be a fulfilling and worthwhile one.  As Job had said in Job 2:10, "...What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?"  Good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant, my lips shall praise Him who sits on the highest throne.  Yes, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). So,
what about you? 

Grace and peace, 
Elaine