WHEN THE STORMS OF LIFE COME

[ELDER JONES GREEN]

One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to
life’s trials
and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through
such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves
and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? Surely, if He
loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all,
doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable?
Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who
are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28).
So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our
lives are part of the working together of all things for good.
Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a
divine purpose.

As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).
This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including
the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that
goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set
apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the
trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7:
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if
necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of
your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though
tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at
the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer’s faith will be made
sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge
that it is real and will last forever.

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our
sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not
disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by
the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5).
Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own
love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus
Christ's trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith.
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our
"trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing.
"By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer,
or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15).
God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has
been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to
suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad
choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His
purposes and our ultimate good.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider
it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance
have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he
has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord
has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).

Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But
thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus
Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a
spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ.
God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and
the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about
anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our
ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can
stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
PRAISE THE LORD !

[Rosie McGee]

Please forgive my spelling, having trouble with my keyboard. www.gods-spot.com

[Rosie McGee]

Greetings ithe name of our Pure and Righteous God, Jehovah. God bless yuheart for the gifts an the words of wisdom. please look at my web site for information about God's Stage play concerning yourve words. It will show at The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, 650 So. Griffin Street, Dallas Texas 75202 on Aprl 22, 2011.  Hear his message. Thank you, my sister. 

 

God bless

[ELDER JONES GREEN]

AMEN !