October 12 °

A friend welcomed

No discipline at present seems to be cause for joy, but rather for sadness; But afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

Viewing a trial as something that causes joy requires discipline, since joy is not the natural human reaction to afflictions. The Christian must make a conscious commitment to meet each trial with a joyful attitude. Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he said to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Say again, Rejoice! … I have learned to be content, whatever my situation” (4: 4, 11). He had learned to be content and to rejoice in the midst of trials. That is not something that happens by chance.

When you see a test coming, assume an attitude of joy that comes from looking forward to what the Lord’s perfecting work will do through the test. We must be convinced that we are going to face trials with a cheerful attitude. It is the joy of those who consider it a privilege to have their faith tested because they know that the test will bring them closer to the Savior. Then a test will be a friend welcomed.

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