Earthly Struggles, Future Joy
READ: John 16:16-23
Have you faced any struggles today? Have you had tough classes at school, problems getting along with your parents, or been stressed because of your extracurriculars? Many people, including us Christians, face many daily struggles. But what does God say we should do when we face struggles?
First Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices" (John 16:20). Jesus knows that we, as Christians, will suffer in this sinful world. While the world celebrates innovations in stem cell research, we mourn the loss of those little children. While the government strives for the equality of homosexuals, we work to tell others how sinful homosexuality really is. Jesus also compared our sufferings to that of a woman giving birth. But if you ask a mother, they will more likely to tell you how amazing giving birth was - they won't be able to put into words how much joy they felt as they held their new baby. That is the same experience the Christian will have. Jesus goes on and says, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy" (John 16:22). Even though we suffer here on earth, we know that heaven is our true home. When we get there we will, just as the new mother, be overwhelmed with joy, and our sorrows will seem as nothing. We need to remember to always look forward to our future joy while we face hardship now.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What troubles are you facing in your life right now? How does Jesus' promise of heaven affect how you deal with your problems? How will you share the joys/struggles of being a Christian with others?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray to be able to look forward to heaven as you struggle here on earth. Thank God for giving us freedom of religion, so we don't have to live in fear of showing our faith. Pray that those involved in morally wrong research sciences may realize their sin, repent, and change their practice.