Joy on the Other Side

We all know Romans 8:28, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” The next verse tells us that we know that all things work together for our good, because whom He foreknew He predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is the Father’s purpose to make you like Jesus, and everything that happens in your life is meant to move you toward that goal.

What does it mean to become like Jesus? In Hebrews we’re told that Jesus, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame. Jesus did not shy away from suffering because He knew it was the way the Father had given Him to win His kingdom and save His people. The joy comes on the other side of the cross. The same is true for us. God allows us to suffer in order to strengthen our faith and make us more like Christ. We sit here as pilgrims, eating waybread here in God’s house before going back out to our lives with problems, sins, and struggles willingly giving ourselves up for our spouses, children, parents, and neighbors. See the joy around you here. See what awaits those who are being made like Christ. Eat and drink here, and catch a glimpse of the joy on the other side.