Jesus said it: trouble, grief, and joy

Have you ever felt like you just don't fit in? As a follower of Christ, this is a common occurrence for me. And it is often tough, when you see so many enjoying themselves, doing what they please, seeming to have such a wonderful time and a wonderful life outside of a relationship with Christ.

And it seems like this is Satan's biggest attack and his best trick for drawing followers of Jesus Christ away from Him and toward the world. Many come to Christ thinking that they are going to enjoy a better life here on earth and that it is going to be easier for them after they accept Christ's call to a new way and a new life. But that is not what Jesus promised, that is not what He offers, and that is not what He brings to us.

Instead, in John 16:33, Jesus promised us trouble; "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” You see, trouble while we are living our days here on earth, but also peace, knowing that Christ has overcome this world and all of the "trouble" that it has to offer.

Jesus had another promise for His followers concerning our days on this earth in John 16:22; "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." Not only trouble, but grief too, is this the life that Jesus calls us to? Yes! Because, after we have endured this minute time of trouble and grief, if we have stayed the course and remained faithful to Christ, we will see Him and we will rejoice at His sight.

At another place, Jesus promised grief now and joy later; "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy." So, while the world is rejoicing around us, we may be going through trouble, grieving, or even weeping and mourning, all while those around us are rejoicing and celebrating. But, soon, very soon, we will see the face of Jesus and it will all be worth it.

This is why we, as followers of Jesus Christ, don't fit it! It all makes sense now, we don't fit in because we aren't suppose to, we don't fit in because we don't belong here. Again, Jesus said; "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

So, when you feel out of place, take heart, when you feel like you don't fit in, go in peace, and when you feel like you can't go on any longer, keep the faith. Soon, when you see the face of Jesus, all the joy in your heart and the rejoicing in your spirit will take away all the sorrow that this world is laying on you now.