WEEK 49 – DAY 4

REJOICING IN TRIALS

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 1:6-7

A sunflower stands out in a field, a big, bold blossom atop an ugly, prickly plant. A Christian who rejoices amid tribulation, stands out in the crowd. He may be a martyr bearing witness of his faith in Christ to his executioner. Or she may simply be a worker who does a difficult job with a good attitude amid grumbling coworkers. A rejoicing Christian remembers that this life is temporary and “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18b).

Rejoicing in the middle of the difficulties of this life is not easy. It is not something we can muster up by sheer grit on our own. The only way we can have the peaceful joy that other people observe and shake their heads thinking it doesn’t make sense at all (Philippians 4:6-7) is by the power of the Holy Spirit sanctifying us—making us more and more like Jesus. This power is tapped into by prayer and immersing ourselves in God’s promises found in the Bible.

Father, help us to brighten our environment, standing out like a sunflower, by radiating the love of the Son as a “Sonflower” and rejoicing in You even when the going gets tough. When trials come, remind us that You are refining our faith and proving it genuine. May all praise, glory, and honor be Yours.