Real Hope: SufferingSample

Journey To Rejoicing

Paul wrote this to the Roman church while many were suffering persecution. It’s a verse of encouragement, reminding us that suffering can lead to something greater and longer lasting. However, it can be difficult to rejoice in times of suffering, and we can feel we have failed in our faith when our response falls short. If you struggle to find the silver lining, it’s ok. We’re all on a journey to rejoicing.

As we head into Easter, we explore Jesus’ journey to the cross. Jesus knew what was coming – not only His own excruciating pain, but that moment when He would be separated from the Father and take on the suffering of the entire world. So how did He respond in the face of such unimaginable suffering? Matthew 26:39 says, ‘[He] bowed with His face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine”.’

Be encouraged if your response to suffering is not to rejoice but to want to run. You are not alone; Jesus is there with you. What a gift this passage of scripture is to all who are suffering and in pain – Jesus showed us the next step in our journey to rejoicing. He showed us how to trust the Father when we think we lack the strength to go on. Paul’s words help us understand where this journey to rejoicing will ultimately lead, but, for those of us who are not quite there yet, we can rely on the strength of the Father as we walk the road of suffering, and perhaps begin to believe it truly can birth the ‘confident hope of salvation’ promised in Romans.

Written by LUCY WEIL