Thoughts On Christian Suffering

James 5:10-11: Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure.
Phillippians 1:29: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Phillippians 3:10: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
Acts 14:22: Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.


The Christian life brings joy unspeakable and full of glory and gives a peace that the world could never give. When we go through tribulations and trials Jesus goes with us. He suffered for us and knows how to comfort us in all our troubles.

John 16:33: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
I Peter 1:8: Whom having not seen, ye love: in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever: Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
Matthew 5:4: Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.


This is very contrary to what the health, wealth, and prosperity false prophets preach, but this is the way of fellowship with Jesus and great joy and peace and comfort now, and even more joy when we get to Heaven for all eternity.
 

Joy And Peace

There is a deep peace down within my soul
For I know I've been forgiven and my name's on Heaven's roll
I've got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart
for my savior did not forsake me, he's been there from the start

He has always been with me since I first believed
and so many blessings from him I have received
My savior kept me in his hand like he promised he would
and when I could not understand he worked it out for good

At times when my journey on earth seemed to be long
he upheld me in his arms and gave to me a song
Praise the Lord, Jesus stayed with me to the very end
He was there through the rough times and his love he did extend

Words cannot express how I love my savior so
for his tender mercies do forever continuously flow
He remembered me when my way I could not find
He was there all the time and I was always on his mind


John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.