Daily Devotion

“I do not believe that any suffering will come upon us without our consent. In my view, we should give thanks to God for sorrow as much as we give thanks for joy.”

Lottie Moon · Dispatch of Light: Murad's Letters and Other Writings

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Reflection

Murady, on the turbulent front lines of missionary work, discerned a profound truth: God allows sorrow and suffering not as meaningless torment, but because our lives, on a spiritual level, "need" to be refined and expanded. The scripture's commandment to "give thanks in all circumstances" challenges our instinct to let our circumstances dictate our mood. Praise in times of joy is natural, but offering thanks during times of pressure, setbacks, or obstacles is the highest form of submission to God's sovereignty. When we can give thanks to God for sorrow as we give thanks for joy, we are fulfilling His good purpose in Christ.