For the joy

I often hear mothers recount stories of childbirth and there are always stories of long hours of labour, pain, induction and all sort of experiences.  Some even try to compare who had the longest labour or more heart-wrenching story.  I find it amazing that many women still willingly put themselves through the pain even after hearing these stories. The conclusion of childbirth stories for most mothers is that it was worth it once they first held their babies or when they gazed at those little eyes. They were overwhelmed with love and barely felt  the pain

Jesus knew the implications of the cross. He knew He will suffer, be in pain and die a most horrid death. Yet for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross. For the joy of our salvation, it was worth it. For the joy that one day we will rule and reign with Him forever, it was worth it.

The call to follow Christ is not an easy one as there will be times of rejection, persecution, difficulty and temptation. But irrespective of what we face as followers of Jesus, a glorious future awaits us.
We can look forward knowing that one day - “He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.” Rev 21:4

One day we will see our Saviour face to face, and enter into His presence, and nothing else will matter. Oh, the joy on that day when our pain, hurt, tears, and disappointments are forgotten with the embrace of His perfect love. Oh, what joy when we see our Lord face to face! May this season bring us a fresh reminder of the glory to come and the wonderful gift of forgiveness God has offered to us.  May we be filled with inexpressible joy as we run the race set before us.