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Sorrow That Turns to Joy

John 16:22

So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy.

Jesus explained to His disciples that He would soon go away, and they would not see Him. A little while later, however, they would see Him again. Jesus would soon die, and the world would rejoice. He would rise again on the third day, and the disciples would see Him again. When they did, they would see Him in His glory and know that the Father had raised Him from the dead. At that point, no one would be able to rob them of their joy because of the assurance they would have.

When God births something into this earth, it causes pain. If God is truly moving in us, we will experience hardship and suffering for a little while. When that thing is birthed, however, we will rejoice because we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it is God’s work in us that has come to life. No one can steal our joy because we know what God has done. Our testimony of Him becomes even stronger, which is exactly why the apostles were able to change their world while facing persecution and death. They knew Jesus was really God’s Son because of their own experience with Him, and nothing could change their minds. They could face whatever was ahead because of their encounter with the risen Savior.

What is God birthing in you? If you are a mother, you know that a baby is coming. As you progress in your pregnancy, others begin to see that a baby is coming. Toward the end of that pregnancy, things start to become very uncomfortable, and when you are in labor you experience the pain and pressure of delivery. Once that baby is born, however, all your suffering seems like nothing as you hold that precious newborn in your arms. Your attention immediately moves away from your personal pain to taking care of the new birth God has given you. So it is when He is birthing a new work in you. First you know it, then others begin to see something is happening in you. Toward the end, you become very uncomfortable and begin longing for the change that is coming. The birthing process itself may be very painful, but the end result is a joyful experience that assures you God is at work in your life, and nothing can convince you otherwise.

God is at work in your life to produce a joy that no one can take away from you. Whatever God has placed in you will come out and bring you joy, but you must struggle with the flesh to produce it. His work is greater than your flesh, and it is worth anything you have to suffer to receive it. When the pain and suffering of life seem almost too much to bear, know for certain that you will see Jesus again, and what you are enduring now is well worth the miracle God is bringing to you and has already placed in you. Look forward with hope and great expectation because you will see Him again!

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.