Full Joy

Suffering does not need an explanation, nor a credible origin. Through trials we are refined and refurbished just as gold is purified with fire. So we need not be hasty or impatient, for the suffering will end in its own time, according to the purpose of His will. For even seemingly meaningless pain can be turned for our advantage through His grace, for all things come together for His glory. As a plow tears apart the earth in order to make way for new life, so does suffering tear apart our flesh to make way for the spirit. So I embrace the plow and whatever it uproots, so that space is made for the Helper. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). I embrace the plow with joy at the sight of His will being accomplished in my life. I take my full joy in His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. Hardships, misery, and torment have instead become reasons for rejoicing, for at my weakest He is at His strongest.