A reminder for
today
Dear friends,
don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something
strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)
My wife is in the hospital for an operation and it made me
realize once more how fragile we are. Our time here is so short and our entire
life is but a mere moment. We fuss over this world when we have so little time
to save other. Each day has become a struggle to survive where we face many
obstacles. The Bible make a numerous number of statements around suffering and
especially suffering, because you are a Christian. Jesus talked about it, Paul
wrote about it and Peter also makes a clear statement that you will have
hardships.
There are many old testament refences on suffering and this
one in Psalms 34:19 is a good one to keep: The
righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them
all.
Therefore, I know you face many challenges and that you also
find yourself in moments where you just feel overwhelmed by your burdens. I know
you struggle and that you are under constant attacks by the enemy. I know it is
hard and that you feel powerless at days. I know you get tired and weary and
that you can use a break.
The enemy is not concerned with the lost. It is those that
are saved that he wants to destroy and yes, you will continue to face many
trails, but the Lord knows and sees your troubles. Peter writes that we must
rejoice in them. He says be very glad—for these trials make you partners with
Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his
glory when it is revealed to all the world.
Be strong, my friend
for there is power in weakness and salvation in suffering. The enemy can give
his best, but we are children of an almighty God and the enemy’s attempts to
break us will fail for we are more powerful than his best attempts. Your strength
flows from God that is unlimited in power and your determination is the life in
eternity that awaits us.
At this, Job got up
and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship
and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The
Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Lord, may your name be praised in all that we do and face
today. Carry us as we face our challenges in joyous celebration. Let each
burden move us closer to you and let each moment we struggle glorify your name
as we remind the enemy of his future. Lord, give us strength and hold us safely
in your hands. In Jesus name.
Have an awesome day, dear friend of Jesus.
Cheers
