(1 Peter 4:12-13) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
(2 Corinthians 6:4, 8-10) “Instead, in every way we demonstrate that we are God’s servants by tremendous endurance in the midst of difficulties, hardships, and calamities; … through honor and dishonor; through ill repute and good repute; perceived as deceivers and yet true, as unknown and yet well-known, as dying and yet—as you see—very much alive, as punished and yet not killed, as sorrowful and yet always rejoicing, as poor and yet enriching many, as having nothing and yet possessing everything.”
There are those that always seem to go from one crisis to another in life. They are always exaggerating about their problems and end up bringing stress and anxiety to everyone around them. As Disciples of Christ, this is not our portion, as God is not taken by surprise with any crisis nor is He ever out of control. Therefore neither should we be spun out of control every time something doesn’t go as planned or someone says something offensive or that we simply disagree with.
Troubles are part of life, but the way you face them defines who your Lord is and how real Jesus is in your life. When we face these trials we get to experience a little of what Christ experienced and learn to live by the promises in the Bible.
Let us not be surprised that God allows crisis in our lives, as it is in these times that we see how strong, or weak we truly are. It is in these situations that we see our lack of patience and love for others, as well as how much we need God to take over.
Don’t forget that everyone is watching us and how we face trouble in life will reflect either the peace that Jesus promises us or the destruction and confusion offered by the world. People will only be attracted to Jesus when they see us keep our cool no matter what we face and when we continue to give glory to His name when we face a real crisis.
There is a song that says “He never said there’d only be sunshine, He never said there’d be no rain. He only promised a heart full of singing at the very things that once brought pain.”
During these times of crisis is where you’ll discover God’s power, God’s protection, and God’s purposes.
Prayers
• Heavenly Father, You have heard the lips of my enemies and their whispering against me all the day. O Lord, You have seen how I am wronged.
• Thank You Father that no calamity is a surprise for you and that You are in total control.
• Thank You that if we suffer in life it is because we can also expect to be partakers of exceeding joy.
• We declare that we will be recognized as God’s servants by demonstrating endurance in the midst of difficulties, hardships, and calamities.
• By acting with love during honor and dishonor, during ill repute and good repute, when we are perceived as deceivers yet being true.
• Let all know we belong to Jesus by acting joyful even during times of sorrow, and even though we have nothing acting as if we possessed everything.
•
• We ask in Jesus’ Mighty Name. Amen
6 February 2023 @ 17:22
Amen Amen ! 🙏👍😊