It’s always when you are trying to do well and work hard that everything seems to come at you all at once. We get discouraged easily because we see people living their lives without morals or standards and they seem to have it all together or to coast through life. It doesn’t seem fair. The harder we try the harder life gets.

We do have to remember, that Satan has no reason to make the fools’ lives uncomfortable. If they are happy where they are at then they won’t improve, hence becoming a threat. It’s the peacemakers, the meek, the humble, and children of the kingdom that have to fight this battle. It is a cross we must prepare to bear.

Jesus never said that you might have troubles but that  “You [will] have tribulation.” (John 16.33)  James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4) He never alluded to rejoicing because of the sufferings, just during them.

The main difference between us and those we see living for their own selfish desires and unbelievers is not what we are given in this world – circumstance or possession- but what we have to live for. We have confidence in what we hope for and assurance of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Secular society is driven by the now, carnal desire, and power. We are called to be servants. “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.”(Galatians 5:13)

We must realize that by enduring suffering, serving others, and showing love even to those deemed unlovable, we are becoming like Christ and fulfilling our purpose. We have a perfect, powerful, loving, forgiving, Father and Redeemer on our side through both the blessings and the trials. We know that “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for [Jesus’] sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:39) 

“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:19-21)

So while we deal with trials of death, sickness, poverty, betrayal, and heartache- of which no one is exempt- strive to have a faith that produces works, labor promoted by love, and endurance inspired by hope, just like the Thessalonians. (1 Thessalonians 1:2) God is good. All the time. And we have a reason to rejoice!