F4S: Got Some Trials?

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Got Some Trials?

If you live for Christ and share your faith then you will never have another problem, you will get rich, never become sick, and the majority of people will love you because your faith will have reached a break-through level that will set you above all pain or hurt. Not!

Yeah, that kind of thinking is often taught in churches unfortunately, but it is indeed false. Sorry 'bout that. You will indeed have opposition and trials and more than likely have some suffering. But I do want to encourage you to remain, or to become faithful to Christ just the same. It will be worth it. God in the Bible promises a special blessing and even a crown to those who have suffered for Christ and His Cause in this life.

Remember that, "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him" (Jam. 1:12).

Have you lost something to follow Christ? I have friends who have lost a lot. Some have even had parents decide that they would no longer be a part of their family anymore when the son believed in Jesus..and then those parents didn't change. Ouch!

Christ lost His life to follow God's will. Can't think of anyone who suffered more than Him to do what was right.

Whatever those losses might be for you.. that you have incurred for following Jesus, guess what… they will be more than made up to you. It all will be made up to you in the life to come..or maybe even during this life down here.

Our earthly life down here ain't all there is and you've gotta believe that, because God's Word is so clear about this. There is another city for you. There will indeed be rewards for your faithfulness to the Lord.

Therefore, "Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness…" (Heb. 3:8). The Bible says:

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (1 Pet. 4:12-13, nkjv).

"…through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

"Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment" (Heb. 11:36). 

Have you ever had someone hurt your Christian spouse or another loved one.. repeatedly over the years by selfish decisions or cruel things said or done, and you were not even able to protect or defend them from that weirdness? Perhaps you kept hearing about their pain.. you kept seeing their tears nightly ..and yet you were helpless because State laws were not broken, though laws of basic courtesy, respect, and decency were shattered.

 

Man, that's even harder to deal with than being hurt yourself by some thug directly. Ain't that right, believer? Sure, because you just feel like baptizing the offender with a baseball bat or headlock and yet God's law of love won't let you do that. God's Spirit won't lead you or me to get in the flesh, cuz the devil would love that. We are not to return evil for evil, but are called to love and pray for our enemies.

 

Listen to me. Choose to forgive that fool ..in your heart.. even if they won't listen to reason. Why administer the poison to yourself.. I mean what stems from unforgiveness turned bitterness inside? Do sincerely intercede for them. As the Lord leads call the police when laws are broken, when people are in danger and that violator needs to be arrested. Refuse to be an enabler for them, blocking their up close and personal tutorial lesson from the authorities. Love always protects (and that at times calls for action on your part). Some offenders seem to be in such a situation when they can only to be taught of the Lord about respecting people when behind bars.

 

Just know that God loves you, He sees, is just, is there with you to help you, and that it all will be made up to you in the life to come. This is the reason for our ongoing joy we experience, and why we still desire to go spread the Good News. God's home is trial-free, so we look forward to being there.
 
Hey, that's what'll make Heaven.. Heaven.