The Difficult Stuff Is the Beginning of Joy

While I may have read in my Bible that we are in a spiritual war, that truth had not fully adjusted my expectations of this life.

To accept that life is supposed to be hard is the beginning of joy.

There is freedom in understanding that Heaven is coming and we are not there yet. We’re called to live, instead, aware that we are at war with a ruthless enemy who is trying to destroy us if we are living surrendered to Jesus…

Something about war makes us better. We live more thankful, less numb. We aren’t quite so spoiled… [God] allows us to suffer because we change through suffering.

We hurt with others better. We become humble. We want Him more…

Honestly, we grow up through suffering.

And most of us need to grow up. I’ve learned to quit wishing away the hard stuff. Because I don’t want to miss all the good stuff that goes with it.

~ Jennie Allen, Anything

We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God. – Ephesians 6:12-13

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. – John 16:33

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:6-7

Excerpted with permission from Joy for the Journey, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

Have you ever considered that our difficulties, trials, sufferings, and hurt are the beginning of joy? That they mature you and grow you into the servant of Jesus you are meant to be? Join the conversation on our blog! We’d love to hear from you! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full