Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
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…through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22
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I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Why are we shocked when distress times arise? When we are caught in a web of suffering? When the affliction seems so overbearing? Yes, life is hard.
I recall having a heated discussion with my mother around my mid-thirties over the way she raised me. Don’t get me wrong, I had a very good upbringing. Educated in private schools. Raised with character traits which later produced future successes. Foundational values which gave me a head start in life.
But yet, I was naïve about the world around me. I thought life was a formula. Work hard and you will succeed. But as you enter the world, you realize its chaotic with unforgiving ways to swallow up new victims. It’s an ever-changing jungle. It can be brutal. Survival is job one. Trust is hard to find. Truth is a misnomer. Only results matter. Everything else is noise. You are the target of someone else’s fear or greed. There are days you feel like you are being squeezed by a large finger.
Failure is inevitable. If one doesn’t learn how to turn lemons into lemonade, one becomes dinner for a large pig. The large hogs chew up their little piggies. There is no mercy in the jungle of life. If one enters the marketplace without a defense armor, one is dismantled and thrown away. No pity for the weak.
Yes, life is hard. But Jesus gives us the equipment not only to survive in the jungle of life, but to thrive.
No, you will still face strong tribulations. You will still be persecuted. You will still have emotional roller coaster rides. But you will find faith and hope through the process. For your foundation is built on the rock of Jesus. You know HE has your behind. HE also walks along with you through the ordeal. In fact, HE has already gone before you so you know following HIM will lead you through a better path.
You know each trial allows you to invest more time with HIM. To watch HIM battle for you through the process. To learn more about HIS ways. And as you come out on the other end, you look back and notice the change in your character. You are more patient. Your trust in HIM grows. Your assurance of the relationship with HIM becomes stronger. You soon learn that the jungle of life is designed to bring you closer to HIM. To allow HIS Kingdom ways to become more implanted into your Being.
As much as you hated the pain and thrashing you went through, you are thankful. You realize it was probably the most merciful way for you to develop the willpower pattern after HIM. You soon acknowledge your ordeal only made you stronger in HIM. Though you don’t ever want to go through that trial again, you are thankful you did it with HIM.
Yes, life is hard. Deliberately hard for our sake and for the sake of others. How else can a loving God best prepare HIS children for the eternal role HE has for them in HIS Kingdom?
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Books By Dr. Mike:
- Power Up With Jesus – Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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Radical In Christ 