Friday, October 16, 2015

Suffering, Too, is the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Troubles and trials seem the order of the day. These are the periods of testing for the true believer in Christ, who desires to be outfitted for the Kingdom living. Tribulations—the cost of discipleship. Tribulations—without which one cannot be fit for the Glory which is to come. How does one get through these “hard” times which are certain to increase? The way to live victoriously through tribulations is by the Word of God and Prayer. Constantly dwell in the presence of our Lord Jesus. Feed on the Scriptures. Prayer. And more prayers. These times of tribulations and trials will not cease; instead will only multiply. When you pray to the Heavenly Father in the name of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, God Almighty will come down to you in the form of the Holy Spirit, the comforter. 
Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18 KJV).

“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted, and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.” (Matthew: 24:9 NIV).


In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, this stalwart follower of Christ warns:
“Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.” 
(1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 Holy Bible NLT).

Live with faith, my friend. Faith, that substance of things hoped for. Faith, that evidence of things not seen. Endure for a season. With faith. 

Blessings and peace,
Servant Hortense Grimes

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