The condition of God’s people in this life is a mixed condition.
In this life they have . . .
  their rejoicing times—and their mourning times,
  their laughing times—and their weeping times,
  their singing times—and their sorrowing times, etc.

It is true, in heaven there is . . .
  all joy—and no sorrow,
  all gladness—and no sadness.

And in hell there is . . .
  all sorrow—and no joy,
  all grief—and no gladness,
  all howling—and no singing,
  all madness—and no mirth.

But in this present life it is otherwise, for if there would be nothing but joy—many would look for no other heaven. And if there should be nothing but sorrow—most would look for no other hell.

If men should have nothing but joy—how sadly would they be puffed up! And if they should have nothing but sorrow—how easily would they be cast down! But now, by a divine hand, our sorrows being mixed with our joys—our hearts come to be the more effectually weaned from the vanities of this life, and to long more earnestly after the pure and unmixed joys in the world of glory!–Thomas Brooks, 1662.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

–Hebrews 12:2

When we’re going through a difficult time, the hardest part is not knowing when it’s going to be over… or if it’s every going to be over.

And yet, you and I are called to keep enduring… to press on, because we’re following the perfect example of faith. Do you know who that is?

The perfect example of faith is the perfecter and completer of our faith, Jesus himself! How fitting that the One who endured the cross is the One who calls us to endure our sufferings!

Jesus brought a challenging message of faith to the throngs of people who followed him. And many people rejected his invitation. They wanted the glorious, conquering side of faith without the suffering or pain. And there are many people like this today, too.

But if you want to be like Jesus, then you must be willing to endure even as Jesus endured.

Now, you might say, “Well, I’m not that strong.” That’s true. You are not! But if you’ll let him, Jesus will complete and perfect your faith.

Jesus trusted the Father perfectly in order to fulfill God’s will! And you must trust him, too.

He will give you the strength to endure to the end! 

… LET JESUS COMPLETE AND PERFECT YOUR FAITH!  

–From Powerpoint

He maketh His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
Matthew 5:45

In Matthew 5:45, Jesus spoke of God’s fairness and graciousness. Every morning the sun gives another day’s life to all humanity, whether evil or good. Refreshing showers fall on the lawns of committed Christians and of their pagan neighbors. While some blessings are reserved only for the children of God, others are common to the entire world.

In the same way, some burdens are borne by believers, such as persecution or sorrow over lost souls. But other burdens are shared by all humanity, and being a Christian doesn’t make us immune from trials. Even seasoned Christians need to remember this, or else we’ll find ourselves thinking, “Why is God treating me so badly? If He loves me so, why am I in such painful straits? Why don’t other people have these problems I’m facing?”

Sorrow is universal; but for the believer— God turns it to good. Dr. F. B. Meyer wrote, “In suffering and sorrow God touches the minor chords, develops the passive virtues, and opens to view the treasures of darkness, the constellations of promise, the rainbow of hope, the silver light of the covenant.”

Trust Him today and rejoice in His mercies whether it’s sunny or raining.

In the meantime let us believe that God’s love and wisdom are doing the very best for us.
F.B. Meyer  (From Turning Point)