In this powerful and deeply personal episode, MJ explores what it means to rejoice in the midst of suffering. Rooted in Scripture and shaped by real-life experiences, she walks through the spiritual maturity required to shift our prayers from deliverance from hard circumstances to intimacy with God through them.
MJ shares how God’s comfort, peace, and presence meet us in persecution—not to remove us from the fire, but to walk with us through it. Drawing from her own season of discomfort, she highlights the privilege of being known by God, the power of Jesus’ intercession, and the joy that can only be found in the fellowship of suffering with Christ.
This episode calls listeners to trust God more deeply, rejoice always, and embrace persecution as part of the journey toward deeper intimacy with Jesus.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Spiritual maturity shifts our prayers: We begin asking not for escape, but for peace, comfort, and joy in the situation.
We have access to God because of Jesus, who is both our intercessor and our reference. His name gives us audience with the Father (Hebrews 10:19, John 16:26-27).
Peace is not circumstantial: It comes from knowing Jesus, not from having a problem-free life (Philippians 4:4–7).
Suffering brings us closer to Christ: There’s grace in the fire, and it’s a space where we experience God’s love in a deeper way.
Persecution is part of the Christian life: It’s a privilege, not punishment. It forms us, reveals God’s character, and allows us to participate in Christ’s glory (Romans 8:17-18).
Praise is a choice and a weapon: We can choose to rejoice even when it’s hard. God commands it because He knows what it produces in us.
God specializes in making beauty from brokenness: He brings order from chaos and reveals His goodness even in the hard places (Genesis 1, Romans 8:28).
📖 Scripture References:
Philippians 4:4–7 – “Rejoice in the Lord always… the peace of God will guard your hearts.”
Hebrews 10:19 – “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”
John 16:26-27 – Jesus gives us direct access to the Father.
Romans 8:17-18 – If we suffer with Christ, we’ll be glorified with Him.
1 Peter 4:12-14 – Rejoice when you share in Christ’s sufferings.
James 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy… when you face trials.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–7 – God comforts us so we can comfort others.
1 Peter 5:6-7 – Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
Romans 8:28 – All things work together for the good of those who love God.
Genesis 1:1–2 – God creates from chaos.
🙏 Final Encouragement:
Persecution is not the end of your story—it’s part of the journey toward deeper faith, deeper joy, and deeper intimacy with the God who loves you. Rejoice in it. Praise Him through it. He’s near.
It’s time to get back to the good life!
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