HOW DO SUFFERING + JOY COEXIST?

If you’re a believer, even if you’re suffering, you have an otherworldly privilege of knowing a joy that the world can’t understand.

Suffering is inevitable but misery is optional.

“…Christians will experience grief only as it is necessary in the light of God’s great and infinitely wise purposes for them.” – Wayne Grudem, Commentary on 1 Peter

“Stress deepens and strengthens a Christian’s faith and displays its reality.” – Ed Blum

“Many seemingly insignificant events are sent to test us before a greater trial is permitted to break on our heads. We are sent to climb the lower peaks before we are urged to the loftiest summits… we are made to run with footmen before contending with horses, and we are taught to wade in the shallows before venturing into the swells of the ocean waves. ” – FB Meyer

A faith that is being refined is not only genuine, it is one that finds joy in the suffering. – Michael Easley