The Chemistry of Suffering and Joy

            But never mind the electrons. The kind of chemistry I want to talk about today involves a transformation - a powerful one -- that takes place between two seemingly irreconcilable human experiences. It is an outcome unique to this temporary life on a broken planet of ours, and it can never be duplicated in the age to come. The two human elements are suffering and joy.                       

            When severe suffering and spontaneous joy mingle in a human soul in the same moment, something powerful results...and the resulting reaction - it's almost like a chemical reaction -- ripples through time, space, and beyond into eternity. All who see it are caught up in wonder. And more people do see it than we might believe possible.

            Now, in normal human life, these two experiences - that is suffering and joy -- are exact opposites. We would never normally put them together.  We all know that suffering brings sorrow, depression and anxiety.  And on the other hand, we all know that happy circumstances bring joy and gladness and light-heartedness.  That's normal human chemistry.  Suffering brings sorrow... pleasant circumstances bring joy.  But in Christ-and only in Christ -two absolutely contradictory events can intermingle, releasing a force and a fragrance and transforming power that lasts for years.

            And that is supernatural chemistry.  Jesus Himself showed us how it was done at Calvary.  In Hebrews 12:2, the New Testament writer says of Jesus that "For the joy set before him [He] endured the cross." In one paraphrase of Isaiah 53 we read that "Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it."

            The same over-the-top chemistry has been carried on through those who bear the name of Jesus. For instance, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul held up the example of believers in a neighboring province. Speaking of the beaten-down, impoverished church in Macedonia, Paul marveled: "Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity."

            What?  Out of severe trial...overflowing joy?  Out of extreme poverty...rich generosity?  There you have that extreme chemistry again.

            When you experience the Lord Jesus in the midst of sorrow that is powerful.  It's irreversible; it's incomparable, and it creates an unforgettable impact, a wonderful transformation in the lives of all those who observe you.   Oh, friend, my prayer for you today is that you might experience a little supernatural chemistry today, overflowing joy out of every single one of your trials!

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