Paul gives us a glimpse of this joy in suffering with his next phrase. "Giving thanks to the Father who qualifies us to be partakers of the inheritance with the saints in the light" (Colossians 1:12). He goes on, "He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love."
The treasures that are hidden in our vessels of clay are breathtaking. God makes us qualified. That alone is enough to sweep one off one's feet. God has given us inheritance with millions of brothers and sisters in Christ. We have a overwhelmingly large family.
God has delivered us from the power of darkness. Though we may be surrounded by darkness, the darkness is no longer in us. It does not control us, nor can it destroy us.
We will review more of this joy tomorrow.
