May 28, 2026
Thursday, May 28
How can we rejoice in suffering, as we’re commanded in James 1:2-12? In the darkest times, it may seem that there is nothing in life worth celebrating. But as we’ve seen the past two days, God is at work in our darkness in multiple ways. Here are three more reasons to rejoice:
1) One way or another, God will show the world how good He is. Even if He doesn’t heal you or rain down unexpected riches from Heaven, He can use your struggles to show that He is better than the best this world has to offer. But this is only true if you truly trust Him enough to rejoice. Matthew Parris, a former British parliament member and an atheist, wrote an article several years ago that stunned many of his fellow unbelievers. He spoke of growing up in Africa, and then going back years later to visit. He said both times, he noticed the same thing: Christians in Africa are different, in a good way. He said what Africa needs most is the continued spread of Christianity. He didn’t see that in England, where he lived. But in Africa, where conditions were so much harder, God’s power and goodness shined all the brighter.
2) You will have a new way to bless others. There’s nothing fun about going through a divorce, but once it has happened to you, you can help others who are going through that same pain. There’s nothing easy about losing a child, but when other people suffer that terrible tragedy, you can show them the way. It’s incredibly taxing to take care of a loved one who has dementia or some other deteriorative condition, but many of your neighbors will find themselves in that position, desperately seeking someone to tell them how to survive. Whatever your trial, there is a new (and powerful) ministry for you on the other side, if you’re willing to serve.
3) God works all things together for good. Often, we have no idea how He will use our pain, but we can believe He won’t waste it. Romans 8:28 will always be true. He loves you too much to not redeem every trial you experience. So rejoice, even when you don’t know what to rejoice in. Rejoice because God is good, and you know someday you’ll look back and say, “Aha! I get it now.”
“Father, like a little child, I cannot see the things you see. But someday I will. And like a child who loves their daddy, I choose to trust that when I see things through your eyes someday, I will find that you have done everything well. You’ve made no mistakes at all. I rejoice in that, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
