"And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
(Romans 5:2-4 NIV)
Sometime in your life you've probably been asked this question.
- are you ready to get on the bus for school?
- are you ready to perform your solo at music contest?
- are you ready to walk down that aisle and become married?
- are you ready to walk into that courtroom?
- are you ready to say goodbye to your ailing parent?
- are you ready to meet Jesus?
Some things in life are easy to "be ready" for because we know when they will happen. Many children will ride the bus to their first day of school sometime when they are five or six years old. Many young adults will set a wedding date and walk down that aisle into a hopeful future. Many of us will look forward to specific dates like college graduation.
But some things in life are not so easy to "be ready" for because they catch us unexpectedly. A spouse caught in an affair. A childhood friend dying of stage 4 brain cancer. A young mom killed in a car crash. An elderly parent suddenly hospitalized - and failing - after a bad fall. Is there any way to prepare and be "ready" for such life events?
On one level, it doesn't take too much awareness to realize that hard things happen everyday to someone(s) somewhere. This lines up with an accurate reading of the Bible which reminds us that in this life we will have troubles and suffering. Even the writing of the Apostle Peter isn't exactly warm and fuzzy when he says, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV). It sounds great to be "overjoyed when God's glory is revealed," but I doubt many of us admit to be excited and enthused about "participating in the sufferings of Christ."
Just like these unexpected life events come when we might not be looking for them, Jesus will return and he hasn't told us when. "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:13, 24:44 NIV) We don't know the day or the hour for many things. But we do know the One whose Presence and Peace can overcome our world. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
So, we do what we can to be ready - focusing on our relationship with God and telling others the Good News we have in Jesus Christ. And we help others to be ready - especially for Jesus's return.
We boast in our hope, even when we are suffering.
Comforting, Suffering Servant,
You who came to earth as both fully Man and fully God, we thank you that you know what it means to be human. You know suffering, peace, joy, disappointment, and a whole host of other human emotions. But by your Blood you have overcome this world and we may have peace. Help us to focus on your Peace. Help us to call out to you when our burdens seem overwhelming and help us to trust you who are gentle and humble in heart. Help us to be ready for your return and to help others be ready. Give us courage to share the Good News of our Hope in Jesus Christ with others. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
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