Becoming a Christian, a follower of Christ, does not mean that we suddenly become exempt from suffering, from trials and tribulations. Jesus Himself said that we will have trouble in this world. But, when we have Christ in our lives, we have the ability to endure that suffering, to walk through that tribulation and not lose heart. Why? Because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Our response to suffering and tribulation should be to rejoice. When we rejoice in our sufferings and remain joyful through trials and tribulations, endurance is built in us (Romans 5:3). As we endure, God gives us the strength and courage to face our sufferings and our tribulations head on and stand firm in our faith. The joy that we experience through those difficult times in our lives comes from knowing that we suffer with Christ, who also suffered, and that through our suffering we will be glorified in Him (Romans 8:17).
Our God is a God of comfort. When we share in the suffering of Christ, we also share in God’s comfort through Christ (2 Corinthians 1:5). The things that we suffer through in this life, the trials and tribulations that we face, are nothing compared with the glory that will one day be revealed to us (Romans 8:18). That glory will be revealed when Jesus returns to reign on earth. When that day comes, all of us who are in Christ will rejoice and be glad (1 Peter 4:13).
As difficult as they may be, our sufferings and our tribulations are temporary. But, our future with Christ will be eternal. And in that eternity, there will be no suffering, no trials, no tribulation. There will be nothing but exceedingly great joy and gladness as we stand in the presence of our God, praising Him and worshiping Him forever.
A Worshiper's Journal 