The joy that takes us through suffering and death.

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We can be sure of two things in life: death and suffering. One will happen before the other strikes in and both are tormenting even to think about. The solution is not to ignore this or presume that somehow we will be safe from these two enemies.
No, if we have lived long enough we know life guarantees at least one of them if not both.  However, we can face them when we have constant, overflowing, unending joy in us; the joy of knowing God and the hope we have in Christ. For we have a present hope and joy in him that takes us through suffering and a future hope with him that eliminates both suffering and death to a life overflowing with eternal joy. What more can we ask but praise him now and always!

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