DEVOTION – DAY 173

John 16:21-22 “Pain Before Joy”

 

John 16:21-22 “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

 

Jesus was with His disciples when He said the above words. Jesus was telling His disciples that He was leaving them soon. He was preparing them for the time of His coming arrest, trial and crucifixion. But Jesus knew that He would not end in death because He knew He would be resurrected. He also told His disciples that their sadness when they see Him leave them would be turned into joy later. Jesus gave an example we can all relate to. A woman who had to give birth would experience great pain during the delivery. But the arrival of her baby would be her source of joy. The baby may be the cause of her initial physical pain. But after birth, when she gets to hold her baby, her pain will be replaced with deep joy and love. In the same way, Jesus was indirectly telling His disciples that the knowledge of His crucifixion, death and burial would cause His disciples much anguish and sorrow. But His death and crucifixion will result in His victory over sin and death. That will give them joy later when they see Him again at His resurrection. The joy will be far greater than any pain that followed before.

 

A woman who was a Christian had been praying for the salvation of her husband for many years. However, he declined every time the matter was brought up. Then, one day, she developed an illness that threatened her life. Her husband feared that she would die. In his desperation, he turned to God and finally received Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Her illness that caused her pain and suffering was the same instrument that God used to bring about her joy later when her husband converted to Christianity. She recovered and today, this couple are faithfully following the Lord. Another woman also prayed for the salvation of her husband. Although he had followed her to church from time to time, he remained an unbeliever. Then, this couple were infected with Covid-19 and they faced fear and suffering. Again, God used the infection to cause the husband to receive Jesus into his life as his Lord and Savior. They both recovered and again, their suffering was replaced with the joy of them now being in Christ.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and mercy over us. Please help us to trust and remain in you as we suffer knowing that you can turn our pain into joy in your perfect timing. In the great name of the Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. How has God turned something that was a painful experience for you into something joyful later? Share.
  2. Our salvation came at the cost of Christ’ suffering on the cross. What kind of suffering are you or someone you know facing and how should you or that person respond in the light of this devotion? Discuss.
  3. What difficulties do you face today?
  4. How does this devotion encourage you to persevere?