"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
There is the encouragement. As Jesus overcame the world and its tribulations, so might we do the same. Paul taught the same lesson and exhorts us to continue in the faith...that
"we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
There is the encouragement. As Jesus overcame the world and its tribulations, so might we do the same. Paul taught the same lesson and exhorts us to continue in the faith...that
"we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
Bow before Him...do as Christ did during the time of His greatest trial...
"who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,"
Surrender to Him and allow Him to accomplish the highest end for your trials and the greatest value for your trouble. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation and above all continue steadfastly in prayer."
Good things come from tribulation...much fruit and much grace flows from it. Allow Him to work your hard times for His glory and your good!
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
More to encourage: Chastistement is not evidence of God's displeasure or anger but a strong evidence of his love. Hebrews 12 says this:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Allow the troubles of life to arrest your attention...allow them to permit you to see your own helplessness and need....your own sinfulness. "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects." Our troubles lead us to His throne of grace...truly the man who sees and understands this is blessed among all men and for him, heaven looms large and the earth wanes smaller and smaller.
E. M. Bounds says this to comfort beloved children of God who are in the midst of trouble.
"Oh, children of God, you who have suffered, who have been sorely tried, whose sad experiences have often brought broken spirits and bleeding hearts, cheer up! God is in all your troubles, and He will see that all shall "work together for good," if you will but be patient, submissive and prayerful."
Love
Mom
