LABOR DAY, USA

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. 

Why did Paul rejoice in his sufferings? Not because of the suffering itself, of course, but because he was convinced that it had benefited the Colossians. And he was right! All of Paul’s labors and struggles were worth it because through him and his preaching, the believers in Colossae were growing in their embrace of the gospel.

We all know what it’s like to sacrifice and suffer for the benefit of another person. Parents constantly do it for their children. So do people caring for an elderly parent or a spouse with disabilities. Or those serving their parish in a ministry that is time-consuming. When things get tough, it can be hard to feel any joy. We might feel only exhaustion or frustration instead. So how can we find the joy that Paul talks about here? Is it even possible?

It helps when we can see fruit coming out of our sacrifices, like when we see a child graduate or a parish ministry begin to flourish. Perhaps that’s how Paul felt when he heard about the community of Christians in Colossae. Clearly, despite their problems, they believed in Jesus and were living as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

But what about when we don’t see any immediate benefits? Can we still rejoice? Or what if we’re sick, and our suffering seems pointless and unnecessary? That’s where faith comes in. No suffering has to feel pointless; we can use it as motivation to pray for the needs of other people. We can trust that offering up our trials to the Lord as an act of intercession will bear fruit—even if we don’t see it ourselves. And that can lead, if not exactly to joy, then at least to consolation and encouragement.

So if you are suffering in some way and can’t seem to find your joy, try to remember to turn your hardship into intercession: for another person, for a cause dear to your heart, even for the worldwide Church. You may never know all the good you have done through your prayers, but one day in heaven, you’ll be able to see everyone you have blessed. And on that day, you will rejoice!

“Jesus, may all my sacrifices bear fruit for you and your glory!”

Psalm 62:6-7, 9
Luke 6:6-11
Colossians 1:24-2:3

WORD AMONG US