“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you many have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Most of my life I have resisted the thought of trials and tribulation as a necessary part of life on this earth, but no matter how hard I tried to avoid them, they showed up anyway! I won’t enumerate, because most likely you have your own devastating list. Adversity is no respecter of persons. I have come to appreciate the messages of a Messianic Jew and I remember the day I received a post in which she shared that she had fallen and broken her jaw. She is the kindest, most gentle person you could hope to meet. I pray for her continued healing.
In his book “God Has Not Forgotten You,”* the author points out that our trials are temporary. Frankly, I am not sure some trials are “temporary.” What about the loss of a loved one or the loss of an arm or leg or sight or hearing? But from an eternal perspective, I can agree. All that is lost will be restored.
The author continues: “In Jesus we may have peace, and in the end awaits His joy!” I call it a “God Sandwich” with suffering and tribulation sandwiched in between Jesus’s peace and an unending joy.
“God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered” (Deuteronomy 30:3, The Message).
So when a “God Sandwich” is delivered to your door, know that Jesus already paid the price. Eat and drink freely of His love, compassion and mercy!
–PatM
*Jeremiah, Dr. David: “God Has Not Forgotten You”: Thomas Nelson, 2021.
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I love this! If we allow, the trials can produce joy in spite of our present circumstance. Good word!