This simple message is so effective both for the world and the church anyway you look at it. Nobody likes or wants to suffer. Yet, as we’re growing we experience pains that forever change our beliefs. When God pulls someone out of the world into his family as he so chooses, that person was suffering long before. And when that person is redeemed of old suffering and fearing the unknown, is now facing a new set of pain. It’s like someone woke us up from a nightmare while laying on a bed with physical pains. Nevertheless, either suffering is temporary. A time to suffer, a time to rejoice.
Peter said it best,
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”(1 Peter 5:10)
Whatever the issue, it’s temporary. Yet, it never seems that way. So how do we get any relief? Well, let’s look at the past. Can you recall some of the pains, physical or emotional, you had last year? Probably not. Very likely not. So the sufferings of today are temporary. For in a little while, they will be no more.
As Paul once said to his brothers, I say to you,
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Our suffering is temporary. The only lasting joy, the joy of Christ, the joy of being redeemed, is eternal.
Jesus is the well of the living water, the Holy Spirit. 