Dear Saints,

“I’m just happy that ____________.”  You and I say something like this from time to time.  “I’m just happy that you’re safe.”  “I’m just happy that we got to visit so-and-so.”  What this implies is that our joy in the end result outweighs the difficulties endured to get there.  Maybe you suffered a lot of anxiety or cost or inconvenience, but in the end it was worth it.  In the end you even rejoiced!  The Apostle Paul suffered a lot in his ministry, but he wasn’t sad or gloomy or upset.  In fact, he was happy!  He was happy that, despite his difficulties, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was being proclaimed.  I wonder how much joy we have in the Gospel going out?  How much are we willing to endure so that Christ is proclaimed?  You can always measure the value of something by what you’re willing to suffer for it.

His and yours,