Rejoicing in Christ

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

James 1:1-6

We rejoice because He has risen.

Persecution is nothing new. For years believers have been mocked and ridiculed for believing in an omniscient God Who provided salvation through the death of His Son. Realize that even Jesus was persecuted for preaching such a message. Truly, if the world rejected the Son of God, it does not look kindly on His followers.

How can you rejoice when others are constantly bombarding you with negative words and hateful remarks? God gives you the key in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." There's no need to fear. There's no reason to worry. God has already conquered evil and He controls the world. Rejoice!

God warns that trials will come into your life. Trials and difficult times are coming. If you aren't facing it now, be assured that persecution will come. But this is not reason to fear or worry. Even as others mock and ridicule you, remember that God means for you to be an even greater witness during this time. Rejoice that He has counted you worthy enough to suffer persecution just as Christ and many faithful believers through history have suffered.