December 28, 2022
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:1-5) ESV.
Sorrow is very much a part of our lives. Paul told Timothy that he had to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 7:3 (ESV) says, “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.”
Is the writer saying we must be miserable; no, of course not. Paul says in (1 Thessalonians 5:16,18): “Rejoice always, in everything give thanks. In (Philippines 4:4), we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” What he is saying (I believe) is that we must become serious about serving God.
When sorrowful, we think less about the world and more about Heaven. The early Christians were persecuted; they were martyred for their faith. They were sorrowful people. They spoke about Heaven more than they did about the earth. Again Paul told Timothy in (2 Timothy 3:12) NKJV, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”
In (Hebrews 11:13) NKJV talks about the fathers of the faith; it tells us, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” These fathers of faith focused not on this world and its sorrows and tribulations but on the Promise of Eternity.
Friends, once we correctly understand eternity, we will be in a better position to minister to suffering people. It will also help us to have a different perspective on our suffering. Suffering is passing; eternity is forever – “sorrow is better than laughter.” Would you join me in this Pray today?
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for speaking to me clearly through Your Word. I realize that so much of my focus is on the here and now. This is why everything that happens takes on such gigantic proportions. I get a more balanced perspective when I see all of this as transient. Father, please help me focus on You, not the here and now. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Encouraging Words: Remember your situation in light of eternity. When you think through God’s control followed by Christ’s sacrifice for you, the things of this earth grow strangely dim in comparison.
God Bless you, Friends, and have a Blessed Day <><
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