How one views the Christian experience is critical to how much joy will fill their cup as they walk with the Lord. As we journey with Christ we will often be inconvenienced, have to suffer, and have our feelings hurt for standing for the truth of the gospel. I have learned that rather than view these experiences as negatives, they can serve as blessings when we realize that God often uses what the world tries to avoid, as stepping stones to a rich and fulfilling life.
I love what Charles Spurgeon shared when he said: “A person who is really saved by Grace does not need to be told that he is under solemn obligations to serve Christ. The new life within him tells him that. Instead of regarding it as a burden, he gladly surrenders himself, body, soul, and spirit, to the Lord.”1
According to Spurgeon we should gladly take on burdens and realize that they are the pathway to blessings for the Christian. For example, it may be inconvenient to offer a brother in the Lord a ride to church, but rather than view this as a burden we can turn this situation around and enjoy the fellowship on the way to church, as well as bask in the knowledge that this small act of kindness is pleasing to the Lord. Thus, the burden becomes a blessing.
Another example involves the trials of life that bring with them periods of suffering. Rather than complain, I prefer to follow the advice found in (James 1:2-4): “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” You see when we realize that trials and suffering are designed by God to advance His kingdom and build up our faith, we can’t help but be joyful that God would use us and the difficult circumstances of life to glorify His name.
And when it comes to overcoming hurt feelings, for the sake of the gospel, we need to take our minds off of our feelings and place our thoughts on the knowledge that we are being used by God to defend His holy name. And if you don’t think this can bring true joy and blessings read (Matthew 5:11-12): “Blessed, are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
My friends, there is just so much joy in the Christian walk, when we choose to view burdens as blessings, that I challenge you to change your perspective on life and allow God to use you to advance His kingdom and glorify His name!
1 TOP 25 CHARLES SPURGEON QUOTES ON PRAYER & JESUS | A-Z Quotes (azquotes.com)