Sorrow, pain, and suffering are certain to be a part of our journey on earth. Jesus, as He told His disciples of the events that would come regarding His death spoke clearly, “Verily, Verily, I say unto you, ‘That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy…ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:20,22). Their sorrow; and even later, their tribulations were for a greater good.
There is no pain or sorrow too great to bare; if only, we knew the purpose. Yet, often as we go through this world; God does not tell us why suffering comes into our life. However, we can be certain; He has a purpose and plan that is for our good. We can trust Him, even when we don’t understand.
Certainly, that was the case for Job. Never did God explain Himself to Job; yet, if we look deeply-Job’s own transformation of heart and his knowledge of God grew exponentially as a result of his suffering. Furthermore, God used Job’s suffering to teach valuable lessons to his friends and to each of us. One lesson God taught me through a lifetime of sorrow is this, as I often have said, “There is no sorrow too great to bear for the salvation of one soul. No suffering too harsh to endure in this lifetime, if the eternity of one soul is changed.” Of course; we may never know how God used our suffering for the good of another; but, He uses our pain to bring us His joy, by drawing us closer to Himself.
FROM SUFFERING TO JOY
I had learned through the years of abuse and the death of my beloved husband of God’s Unconditional love for me. Through the battle with breast cancer as a mother of teenage sons who had already lost their father, I had learned to trust God. Then, it was that I faced the pains of Ulcerative Colitis. Every morning, I awoke with severe pain at 4 am. For four hours every morning my life consisted of severe pain sending me to the bathroom passing blood clots every 15 minutes. So as not to awaken my children, I placed a recliner in my large walk-in closet with a bedside table where my Bible lay. Every morning, God and I met in that recliner. Much like Job, I bemoaned my suffering.
There in those early morning hours, I learned that I could not do this thing called life without Him. That is why, even today; you will find me up at 4 am to be alone with Him, before I start my day. I had a lot more to learn; but, I began to realize: He is my Joy and my greatest treasure. Ultimately, He taught me the three foundational truths to know His Abiding, Steadfast Joy in the midst of every circumstance, trial, and suffering of life. That lead me to write the book by the same name. Would I know Him as dearly had I not endured such pain? I think not. So, He has purpose for our good; even, in our suffering.
PAUL WROTE ON SUFFERING
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).
I do not know what sorrow or suffering you may face today; but, I do know this for certain, God has a plan for your good and your joy. True Joy can only be found in Him.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
JUST RELEASED
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.