Heighten Future Joy

“So Moses said to the Lord, ‘Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me?’” 

Numbers 11:11 (NKJV) 

Moses asks the Lord, “Why have You afflicted Your servant?” It’s probably a question we’ve all asked God from time to time. “God, why have You afflicted me—your servant, of all people? I’m on Your side!”  

For the believer who is really looking to understand, there are answers. Here’s one you might not have considered: Present pain and afflictions tend to heighten future joy. When is peace the sweetest? Right after the conflict. When does a cold drink taste best? When you’ve become very thirsty. When do you appreciate rest the most? After hours of hard labor. When is joyful company most pleasant? After enduring long days of loneliness.  

The truth is, our recollection of past sufferings may one day enhance the bliss of heaven. Eternity with the Lord will be so much more heavenly to those of us whose faith has been tested, battered, and tried, time and again. 

Dear Lord, I might also say, “When will walking across a green lawn or running up golden steps be the most joyful? After you’ve been in a wheelchair for decades!” I am thankful for life in the here-and-now, and even for the trials that test my faith. But I am so overjoyed to think about stepping through the curtain into Your house when You call.