As Christians we often live under the false pretense that we are shielded from issues, pain, drama, and hurt. Due to ignorance we are easily led astray and defeated every time we are faced with adversity. The bible clearly illustrates that we will be persecuted and tempted time and time again. Trials such as these previously mentioned are what will propel us in life. We aren’t instructed to hide or run from issues, but instead we are encouraged to stand firm and persevere because in the end we will be greatly rewarded. Christ is the perfect example; he wasn’t even accepted by his own after living a sinless and perfect life, so what more are we to expect as followers of Christ? My pastor often says, “Whenever issues and drama arise in your life, you can be sure that there is soon to be a promotion!” You’ll never grow unless you pass these frequent “tests” of life. A good example is the public school system, before you can advance to the next grade you’re expected to master certain skills. The same is true in the kingdom of God. Before he can trust you with an overflow of blessings, he has to know that you can endure hard times. Job is the ultimate example in my opinion. He lost nearly everything he had (literally – family, possessions, wealth, etc.) but due to his diligence and perseverance God gave more than he could have ever dreamed of! (Consider reading his life’s story if you haven’t done so)
Acts 14:21-22 (read below) is a perfect example! Paul was just stoned almost to death (3 verses before) and yet he continued to preach the good news! That’s perseverance!!!
Read the scriptures below and share what you think, or maybe an experience or two that you’ve had that may bless someone else.
Acts 14:21-22
They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God," they said.
2 Corinthians 12:10
That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 comment:
Its ironic I read this today. Every sunday (if physically possible) I tune into Friendship West Baptist Church prior to attending church here in Orlando, however some Sundays, I feel so moved to stay at home and watch both services via the web. It is the beginning of a Transforming Life Conference at Friendship West this week and Rudy Mckissick brought the message today. (he is a great preacher and teacher and will be there Sun-Wed preaching every night, you should check him out if you can)
Nonetheless today he spoke from the subject, "IT HAD TO HAPPEN"... In summary, he talked about a lot of times when we go through things, storms if you will, a lot of people feel down and out, or feel like God has left them alone, or maybe that they may not be on one accord with what God wants them to do. He argued however, that that is not always the case... and that sometimes we are going through a storm because we are on an assignment. God has strategically placed us in storms or hard times not because we have been so bad or anything, but rather because we were obedient to his word and will. But in order to get where He wants us to get to, we have to go through some things first.
He was speaking from Acts 27. Toward the end of the chapter it talks about how Paul was on an assignment encountered a storm and there was plenty of shout cues there, but what stood out to me more than anything is that while Paul was on the assignment his ship was wrecked and broken because of the storm he was on. Once it was broken into pieces, those who could swim, swam, but those who couldn’t had to use boards and pieces of the ship in order to get to land. And that was encouraging to me because I know on a personal level, there are sometimes when I am soooo worried about what I want and where I want to get to, I forget to manage the piece that I have. Instead of trying to swim when God isn’t ready for me to swim, I need to have peace with holding on to the piece he has given me and use that to complete the assignment God has set for me. And the other part of it was that in chapter 28 Paul was given a new ship. Which is proof that if you will be faithful over the few things, He, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, will do just that. Ephesians 3:18 and Matthew 25:21
Post a Comment