Rest and Reset: A 30-Day Devotional to Revive JoySample

For the Joy that was set

We endure affliction now so that we can bask in the eternal reward of joy later. I don’t know many people who have willingly chosen suffering. It’s not something we look forward to, and when we find ourselves in the grip of pain and hardship, we want out. Most will fast, pray, and beg God for quick help and healing.

Affliction never feels good, but it has always been for our benefit. In Psalm 119, verses 67 and 71, David said, “'Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy word. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes.” David understood, in hindsight and after deep reflection, that all the pain and misunderstanding he had caused in his life by sin and his own choices, as well as being chosen by God, was ultimately good and beneficial. This is a pure and godly perspective. This is what Jesus understood when he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem for us.

Moses would also testify to this. The Lord had placed him in Pharaoh’s palace. He had lived a good life until he began to feel the burden for his people. He saw their suffering and mistreatment, and in a moment of passion—and what some might see as a badge of honor—he killed. He thought he had gotten away with it until someone exposed him. Moses fled from his life and for his life, but God had a plan for him on the back side of the desert. The Lord prepared Moses’ heart to lead the children of Israel into freedom, so when we see the hall of fame in Hebrews chapter 11, Moses is honored as a hero of faith. Scripture says this: 'By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.'

We all face a choice in life. We can walk the narrow path and endure hardship with Christ, or choose the broad way, which may offer fleeting pleasures and still lead to suffering without Him. Jesus is our perfect example. The Bible says He endured the cross, despising the shame, because He knew He would sit at the right hand of God. When He was bruised, it was for our transgressions and the punishment that brought us peace, which was laid on Him.

Jesus lived a sacrificial, mission-driven life. He endured suffering as a model for how we should face our own challenges. Jesus prepared for the cross through prayer and submission to the Father’s will long before the appointed time. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed: "Lord, not my will, but thine be done."

If you are suffering from a circumstance beyond your control, please be encouraged. There is a reward of joy that is set and already destined for you. The Lord might not remove the pain, but He will remain with you through it. God has a purpose even in the pain.

Be encouraged.