October 23, 2017

Rejoice in Your Suffering and Finish the Race

Rejoice in Your Suffering and Finish the Race: A Christian life is entangled with seasons of trials, tribulations, success and jubilation. The Bible tells us about the story of Naomi, who left her native land of Judea due to famine together with his husband and two sons. The family of Naomi thus went and found their new home in the land of Moab. Her two sons married the Moabites women, and the family was hopeful for good fortunes. Naomi’s hope and aspirations were cut short after her husband Elimelech and two sons died, leaving her with no offspring.

Naomi lamented in deep pain. Her love to trust in God remained intact despite the pain, suffering, and tribulations that befall her family. Her hope was rekindled after returning to her native land of Judea together with her daughter in law -Ruth. Showers of blessing and joy came her way when Ruth conceived and gave birth to a son called Obed. Obed became the father of Jesse and Jesse was the father of David.

Jesus whom we know today as the Son of God is of the lineage of David. Well, God crowned Naomi in a great way after enduring a period of pain and suffering.

Apostle Paul, in the book of Romans 5:2-5 reminds us about the value of suffering “…rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Now, this hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

We all aspire to possess good things in life such as great achievement in education, a good job, a good family, a good car, a good house, a good return in investments among other valuable possessions and aspirations. However, every good thing we hope to achieve in life comes with a test.  Thus, our Christian faith must be subjected to trials and suffering before God lifts and crown us with victory.

Let me reiterate, if you hope to achieve good things in life; your faith must be subjected to trials.  At such times of trials, equip and connect your soul deeply in the word of God. Keep in mind the fact that the trials that you are facing today it is just a block at the ninety-ninth mile to your success. If so, be like Naomi; master the challenge, lean on God, and finish the race.

Blessings,

Peter King’ori
Nairobi–Student Advisor for Central Africa
peterk@nationsu.edu

Read the Chaplain’s reflections on suffering, Suffering and Faith