“I am not a sadist: I cannot rejoice in people’s pains and sufferings even if you can do so.” You misunderstand scripture. Who said rejoice because of pain? Rejoice in the Lord always: So then, my brothers, keep on rejoicing in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you; indeed, it is for your safety Phil 3:1(ISV), and with regard to tribulation we are to be patient: full of joyful hope, patient under persecution, earnest and persistent in prayer Rom 12:12(WNT). “I hope you do what you preach.” Paul who wrote these things was in prison at this time, his freedom removed, but he rejoiced nonetheless: always praying joyfully in every one of my prayers for all of you Phil 1:4(ISV) .
“Look I believe in faith and positive confession and all that, but let’s be real. I just see the troubles around. Let’s not live in denial...” Denial? What’s that? “Oh a state of pretence, declaring all is well when things are going wrong.” No. God does not expect us to live in denial at all. Denial refuses to acknowledge what is going on, what you call “reality” merely sees what is physical alone, while faith sees all this and receives open eyes to see God and His provision. Then he prayed, "LORD, please help him to see." And the LORD let the servant see that the hill was covered with fiery horses and flaming chariots all around Elisha 2Ki 6:17(CEV). Denial closes her eyes to things around, “reality” simply looks around at things, faith sees more for it looks up to see God’s salvation. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near Lk 21:28(EMTV). We live by faith; faith looks up: “My faith looks up to thee...” says a hymn writer.
“What good could there be in all this, what cause for rejoicing?” Rejoicing in the Lord gives strength: give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be sorrowful, because the joy of the LORD is your strength Neh 8:10(ISV). Do you believe this situation will drive more people to pray? “Of course but that is no reason to inflict hardship on people.” So I rejoice anticipating more people seeking God sincerely at these times. Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually caused the gospel to advance Phil 1:12(ISV). I rejoice in God in the midst of these challenges therefore. Rejoice in the Lord I say! The LORD God is my strength—he will make my feet like those of a deer, equipping me to tread on my mountain heights Hab 3:19(ISV).
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