Rejoice — Part 3

January 24, 2022

As we engage with God in the classroom of rejoicing, one of the first things He will do is change our perspective on suffering and persecution. From our human perspective, suffering and persecution threaten our happiness and comfort. They don’t feel good. However, joy is not a feeling. Joy is a choice. In trials, we can choose to rejoice, despite our feelings. God longs to mature us so that instead of following our feelings, we follow Jesus, our mighty Savior Who endured trials with joy! 

To rejoice in suffering and persecution is not a natural response to us. But the good news is, this response is natural to Jesus! This is the way He responds, and this is how He will respond through us if we allow Him to. When trials come, God calls us to step into Jesus’ supernatural response and respond with rejoicing. In this, our display of joy in trials is how we can showcase Jesus’ life to the world!

  • Gabe Cleator, Host

    Gabe Cleator loves Jesus and desires to help others cultivate an intimate relationship with Christ as the All-Sufficient One. Gabe holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Ministries, is author of the book Always and in Everything, and currently serves as the director of the Home Discipleship Network under the ministry of IBLP. His passion is to see God’s people turn back to a vibrant, living Christianity that has Christ at the center and the Word as the foundation. Gabe and his wife, Sara, live in East Texas where they enjoy serving the Lord together and spending time in the great outdoors, taking fishing trips or visiting National Parks.

  • Nate Paine, Host

    Nate Paine loves pointing people to God’s Word. After giving his life to the Lord at age 11, he has carried Isaiah 61:1–3 as his life verses, following God’s call to “preach good tidings unto the meek,” “bind up the brokenhearted,” “proclaim liberty to the captives,” and offer beauty for ashes through the Person and work of Christ. Nate completed his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Ministries, has served in prison ministry, and mentored many young men through the Journey to the Heart program. Today, he lives with his wife and four children in East Texas where he serves on staff with IBLP and the Home Discipleship Network. In his spare time, you may find Nate reading his favorite authors (Andrew Murray and A.W. Tozer), perfecting his pour-over coffee brewing, or adventuring with his children—preferably with fishing poles in hand.

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