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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