IN AFFLICTION, REJOICE
“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:6-7 ESV).
“[W]hatever our situation is, it is far better than we deserve” Jerry Bridges (ref#192, p242).
“[Take] the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble” (1 Thes 1:5-6 MSG).
“When [God] bids us to count it all joy he means that nothing in afflictions ought to disturb our joy. Not one of us can so far divest himself of his nature as not to grieve or be sorrowful whenever he feels evil. But this does not prevent the children of God from rising up by the guidance of the Spirit above the sorrow of the flesh” John Calvin (ref#164, Sept 26th).
“We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:3-5 MSG)!
If you want to hurt someone, you do mean things to them. The devil hates us heirs of GOD so that he works at doing more and meaner things to us. But instead of making us miserable we are drawn to CHRIST to help us through these tough times. The more the devil throws at us the stronger we become in CHRIST. Everything the devil does not only fails at making us miserable but contributes to making us revel in the goodness of GOD.
“I am filled with comfort in all [my] affliction, I am overflowing with joy” (2 Cor 7:4 ESV).
“[R]ejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon you” (1 Pet 4:13-14 ESV).
Bonnie's Prayer Affair 