April 10:  Joy Through Tribulation.

How to Find Joy Here and Now and Forever.
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain....As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.--2 Corinthians 6:1, 10, NKJV

WE ARE IN A WORLD of suffering.  Difficulty, trial, and sorrow await us all along the way to the heavenly home.  But there are many who make life's burdens doubly heavy by continually anticipating trouble.  If they meet with adversity or disappointment they think everything is going to ruin, that theirs is the hardest lot of all, that they are surely coming to want.  Thus they bring wretchedness upon themselves and cast a shadow upon all around them.  Life itself becomes a burden to them.  But it need not be thus.  It will cost a determined effort to change the current of their thought.  But the change can be made.  Their happiness, both for this life and for the life to come, depends upon their fixing their minds upon cheerful things.  Let them look away from the dark picture, which is imaginary, to the benefits which God has strewn in their pathway, and beyond these to the unseen and eternal.--The Ministry of Healing, 247.

All who are pursuing the onward Christian course should have, and will have, an experience that is living, that is new and interesting.  A living experience is made up of daily trials, conflicts, and temptations, strong efforts and victories, and great peace and joy gained through Jesus.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 579.

                        And since we are his children, we are his heirs.
                In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory.
            But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.
                              
                                                              --Romans 8:17, NLT

April 9:  Joy Through Tribulation.

Facing Trials With Joy.
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.--1 Peter 4:14, NKJV

THE WORLD LOVES SIN, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus.  All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element.  The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest.  While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.

Thus strife is created, and Christ's followers are accused as troublers of the people.  But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world's enmity.  They are bearing the reproach of Christ.  They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth.  Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution.  Each fiery trial is God's agent for their refining.  Each is fitting them for the work as colabors with Him.  Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph.  Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided.--The Desire of Ages, 306.

                                  Since Christ suffered for us in the flesh,
                                  arm yourselves also with the same mind,
                                            for he who has suffered in the flesh
                                                      has ceased from sin.
                                                                                              --1 Peter 4:1, NKJV

April 8:  Joy Through Tribulation.

Trials Resulting in Growth.
My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.  Indeed we count them blessed who endure.  You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.--James 5:10, 11, NKJV

PATIENCE AS WELL AS COURAGE has its victories.  By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ.  The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor.  Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done.--The Acts of the Apostles, 465.

Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed.  Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper.  Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and deep and abiding trust in God..  It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory.--The Acts of the Apostles, 467.

April 7:  Joy Through Tribulation.

When His Spirit Works Through Us.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.--Galatians 5:22, 23, ESV

CHARITY SUFFERETH LONG, and is kind; charity envieth not."  The divine love ruling in the heart exterminates pride and selfishness.  "Charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."  The purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation.  The strongest and noblest characters rest upon the foundation of patience and love, and trusting submission to the will of God.

Charity "doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."  The heart in which love rules will not be filled with passion or revenge, by injuries which pride and self-love would deem unbearable.  Love is unsuspecting, ever placing the most favorable construction upon the motives and acts of others....

...Love not only bears with others' faults, but cheerfully submits to whatever suffering or inconvenience such forbearance makes necessary.  This love "never faileth."  It can never lose its value; it is the attribute of heaven.  As a precious treasure it will be carried by its possessor through the portals of the city of God.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, and peace.  Discord and strife are the work of Satan and the fruit of sin.  If we would as a people enjoy peace and love, we must put away our sins; we must come into harmony with God, and we shall be in harmony with one another.  Let each ask himself: Do I possess the grace of love?  Have I learned to suffer long and to be kind?--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 168, 169.

               For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,
                           and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control,
                     and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness,
                  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
                              
                                                             --2 Peter 1:5-7, ESV

April 6:  Joy Through Tribulation.

Endure Everything With Patience.
So that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.  May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience.--Colossians 1:10, 11, NRSV

IN THE RELIGIOUS LIFE of every soul who is finally victorious there will be scenes of terrible perplexity and trial; but his knowledge of the Scriptures will enable him to bring to mind the encouraging promises of God, which will comfort his heart and strengthen his faith in the power of the Mighty One.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 578.

In all ages God's appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth's sake....

These examples of human steadfastness bear witness to the faithfulness of God's promises--of His abiding presence and sustaining grace.  They testify to the power of faith to withstand the powers of the world.  It is the work of faith to rest in God in the darkest hour, to feel, however sorely tried and tempest-tossed, that our Father is at the helm.  The eye of faith alone can look beyond the things of time to estimate aright the worth of the eternal riches.--The Acts of the Apostles, 575.

Then talk of the promises; talk of Jesus' willingness to bless.  He does not forget us for one brief moment.  When, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, we rest confidently in His love, and shut ourselves in with Him, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil joy.--The Ministry of Healing, 488.

                               And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings,
                                        knowing that suffering produces endurance,
                           and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.
                                                                                                    --Romans 5:3, 4, NRSV

April 5:  Joy Through Tribulation.

An Opportunity for Great Joy.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.--James 1:2, 3, NLT

THE BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL SIDE of our religion will be represented by all who are really consecrated to God.  We should not dishonor God by the mournful relation of trials that appear grievous.  All trials that are received as educators will produce joy.  The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and works.  The enemy is well pleased to have souls depressed, downcast, mourning and groaning; he wants just such impressions made as to the effect of our faith.  But God designs that the mind shall take no low level.  He desires every soul to triumph in the keeping power of the Redeemer.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 365.

The trial of faith is more precious than gold.  All should learn that this is a part of the discipline in the school of Christ, which is essential to purify and refine them from the dross of earthliness.  They must endure with fortitude the taunts and attacks of enemies, and overcome all obstacles that Satan may place in their path to hedge up the way.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 578.

                                            Joyful are those you discipline, Lord,
                                            those you teach with your instructions.
                                            You give them relief from troubled times
                                            until a pit is dug to capture the wicked.
                              
                                                                   --Psalm 94:12, 13, NLT

April 4:  Joy through Tribulation.

Worthy to Suffer for Him.
They called in the apostles and had them flogged.  Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go.  The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.--Acts 5:40, 41, NLT

AS MEN SEEK to come into harmony with God, they will find that the offense of the cross has not ceased.  Principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places are arrayed against all who yield obedience to the law of heaven.  Therefore, so far from causing grief, persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is an evidence that they are following in the steps of their Master....

In all ages Satan has persecuted the people of God.  He has tortured them and put them to death, but in dying they became conquerors.  They revealed in their steadfast faith a mightier One than Satan.  Satan could torture and kill the body, but he could not touch the life that was hid with Christ in God.  He could incarcerate in prison walls, but he could not bind the spirit.  They could look beyond the gloom to the glory, saying "I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."  Romans 8:18;  2 Corinthians 4:17.--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 29, 30.

                                        And after you have suffered for a little while,
                       the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
                                  will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
                                                                                                            --1 Peter 5:10, NRSV   

April 3:  Joy Through Tribulation.

The Joy of Suffering for Others.
I am now rejoicing in my suffering for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.--Colossians 1:24, NRSV

THE APOSTLES COUNTED not their lives dear unto themselves, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ.  Paul and Silas suffered the loss of all things.  They suffered scourging, and were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most painful position, their feet elevated and fastened in the stocks.  Did repinings and complaints then reach the ear of the jailer?  Oh, no!  From the inner prison, voices broke the silence of midnight with songs of joy and praise to God.  These disciples were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer, for which they suffered.

As the truth of God fills our hearts, absorbs our affections, and controls our lives, we also will count it joy to suffer for the truth's sake.  No prison walls, no marty's stake, can then saunt or hinder us in the great work.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, 406.

                             The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
                                    Let all who seek God's help be encouraged.
                                       For the Lord hears the cries  of the needy;
                                       he does not despise his imprisoned people.
                                                                                          --Psalm 69:32, 33, NLT

April 2:  Joy Through Tribulation.

Strength Given to the Weak.
That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ.  For when I am week, then I am strong.--2 Corinthians 12:10, NLT

THE LORD'S CARE is over all His creatures.  He loves them all and makes no difference, except that He has the most tender pity for those who are called to bear life's heaviest burdens.  God's children must meet trials and difficulties.  But they should accept their lot with a cheerful spirit, remembering that for all that the world neglects to bestow, God Himself will make up to them in the best favors.--The Ministry of Healing, 199.

In all ages of the church God's appointed messengers have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth's sake.  But wherever God's people may be forced to go, even though, like the beloved disciple, they are banished to desert islands, Christ will know where they are and will strengthen and bless them, filling them with peace and joy.--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 227.

                                             He gives power to the weak
                                          and strength to the powerless.
                                       Even youths will become weak and tired,
                                         and young men will fall in exhaustion.
                                    But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

                                          They will soar high on wings like eagles.
                                                  They will run and not grow weary.
                                                         They will walk and not faint.
                              
                                                                --Isaiah 40:29-31, NLT

April 1:  Joy Through Tribulation.

Not to Be Exalted Above Measure.
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.--2 Corinthians 12:7-9, NKJV

WHILE THE LORD has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has promised that which is far better.  He has said, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be."  "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Deuteronomy 33:25; 2 Corinthians 12:9.  If you are called to go through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your side even as He was with the faithful three in Babylon.  Those who love their Redeemer will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and reproach.  The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet.--Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 30.

Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper.  He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow.  Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you.  "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore."  Revelation 1:18.  I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations.  I know your tears; I also have wept.  The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know.  Think not that you are desolate and forsaken.  Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live.--The Desire of Ages, 483.