“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:13)
Along with all the frustrations, with the mocking’s and ridicule, and I would dare say for those who today sit in prison houses for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, comes moments when the praise flows freely from us. From simple, heartfelt “Thank you’s,” to songs that run through our minds as well as past our lips.
He who has promised to never leave us or forsake us allows, as well as brings, the trials into our lives, for that is how our faith grows, our trust in Him.
“And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:4)
The key is patience, patient anticipation for those moments that can be so rare as to bring hints of doubt within us, that bring a rest, a security in us that cannot be described with words. It is a “knowing” that all who have been born-again have experienced, and it can be felt, if you will, in the quiet as well as in the midst of the storm.
The fear leaves us, the circumstances that surround us become inconsequential, we know a peace that passes all understanding, and the truth of the old saying, that all is well that ends well becomes a reality to us.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer. 29:11)
We need to have those thoughts as well; we need to come to the realization of the truth that an eternity in the presence of the joy of the Lord cannot be compared to a few short decades of this life.
“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.” (Romans 8:18)
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1st Thess. 4:18)
Days, sometimes much longer of frustrations cannot be compared, persecutions for His name’s sake cannot be compared, the despising of those who once claimed to love you, friends who spoke of a lifetime of friendship leaving your side, even those who claim to serve the Living God calling you too adamant, too conservative, judgmental, contentious, none of this can remove from us the knowledge that one day the former things will not be brought to mind, that Psalm 16:11 is a truth.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
The path of life, in this life, is fraught with danger, with pain and suffering, with loss of everything this world has to offer, and it is a path that we walk willingly, for it is the Almighty Himself who has set us upon it.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Fears and frustrations become temporary, the promises are true, and He that has promised is faithful.
It begins to make little difference to us if the pain does not abate, those who were once our friends and family members who reject the offering of grace from the Lord God are replaced with new friends, with an eternal family. When all that happens to us, when every single thing that enters into our life is known to be either allowed by our Father in heaven or brought upon us by Him, our lives change, our faith grows, and we can finally, in all sincerity in our heart, say “Abba, Father.”
We are children of the Most High God, called and chosen by Him personally, preparing and being prepared to enter into His Eternal Kingdom, and being prepared here by trials, tribulations and persecutions.
“For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” (Romans 15:3)
Our close Kinsman, our Savior, has shown us the path, a lite yoke, a cross to carry, dying to self a little more each day, living our lives for the glory of the Living God.
Encourage each other with these truths, bear your brother or sister’s burden, pray for each other, pray with each other. Lift up His name in praise, sing praises in your heart, say “Thank You,” often.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1st Cor. 2:9)
