Perspective is the key to survival in the difficult seasons of life. A stoic is a member of a school of philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium about 300 B.C. The school holds that “the wise man should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submissive to natural law.” Generally, stoicism is a philosophy that canvasses indifference to pain or pleasure. While stoicism may be a good coping mechanism for pain, the Bible canvasses a different approach. Our text indicates that Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, endured pain but not in a stoic manner. There was a purpose to His pain. It was God’s own method of making Him perfect. Someone said that if we know the purpose of our pain, then the strength to endure is within reach. When we go through difficult moments, let us see it as God passing us through the refiner’s fire for our ultimate glory.

…believers can rejoice in spite of the troubles…To the extent that Jesus has won an eternal victory, a child of God is confident that difficult moments will not last forever.

Before His ordeal at Calvary, Jesus told His disciples that tribulation would come their way in this world, but rather than being downcast, they should rejoice because He had already overcome on their behalf. So, believers can rejoice in spite of the troubles. Jesus won a victory which has effect on all who put their trust in Him for salvation. To the extent that Jesus has won an eternal victory, a child of God is confident that difficult moments will not last forever. This consideration made Paul write to the believers that they should rejoice in hope.