Following Jesus comes with challenges. But within those challenges lies a secret – the secret of finding joy in tribulation, truth in darkness, and victory in defeat. Jesus knew his disciples would soon face hardship and suffering, yet he gave them words of hope and encouragement to prepare them for what was to come.
We too can find purpose within pain by looking to the cross and resurrection of Christ.
- In light of the resurrection, followers of Jesus can have joy in the midst of sorrow. Jesus teaches that though the disciples will experience sorrow now, after the resurrection they will have eternal joy. The disciples don’t understand this at the time, but after seeing the resurrected Jesus, they come to view the cross as a source of great joy.
- In light of the resurrection, followers of Jesus have a sober view of reality. They understand that though there is tribulation in the world, Jesus has overcome the world and gives them peace. They hold an objective truth view of the death and resurrection of Christ.
- In light of the resurrection, followers of Jesus have a victory that gives them strength to endure. Jesus has overcome the world through his death and resurrection, and this provides victory and strength for believers as they face difficulties.
- These truths are written so that believers may endure and persevere in following Christ. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to continue following Jesus, even at cost to ourselves. We are called to keep looking to Jesus and his example.
The cross of Christ shows us that within suffering comes salvation, within loss comes life, and within death comes resurrection. As we walk through this world with its trials and tribulations, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and follow in his footsteps. When sorrow comes, find joy in his comfort. When reality seems bleak, stand firm in his truth. And when we fail, find victory in his accomplished work. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to embrace the cross, discover new strength in Christ, and endure to the end for his glory.
Will you take up your cross today and follow him?
Will you find purpose within pain and allow Jesus to transform your suffering into something beautiful?
The choice is yours.