Posted on Wed, Oct 1, 2008
We are not left in doubts as to where the motivation will come to propel our resolve to be happy in the throes of pain. I call this motivation the goal before me in trial. Obviously, it is humanly hard to “count it all joy” when trials strike with all its associated suffering and hardships, but the secret is to realize that we are wholly and purely God’s and He loves us. He will not without a cause permit evil to befall us. Thus, we must completely abandon our situations on God and confidently trust Him to steer the course of the trials until they pass by.
It is paradoxical to rejoice when faced with trials, and amidst suffering. Yet, this is exactly what the Word of God has asked that we do. It goes further to assure us that the aftermath of persevering in trial is a crown and a promise from God. I believe it, and have experienced it. I thank God for His strength.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. “James 1:12
Again, read this:“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf...” 1 Peter 4:12
We are not left in doubts as to where the motivation will come to propel our resolve to be happy in the throes of pain. I call this motivation the goal before me in trial. Obviously, it is humanly hard to “count it all joy” when trials strike with all its associated suffering and hardships, but the secret is to realize that we are wholly and purely God’s and He loves us. He will not without a cause permit evil to befall us. Thus, we must completely abandon our situations on God and confidently trust Him to steer the course of the trials until they pass by:
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” Zechariah 2:8
But we must persevere under trial. With perseverance comes, effectual and fervent prayer. This should include fasting, reading of the Word of God - the bible-, and literally claiming as ours, every promise we see in it. Herein lays the strength we need in trial, the power of God’s Word, which will succor and aid us until the storm is gone.
STOP AND THINK! CONSIDER JESUS “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
…Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” Hebrews 12:2-12
Suggested reading: 1 Peter 1:7 , 1 Peter 4:12 , Romans 12:12 ; 1 Timothy 3:3, 2 Peter 1:6, Thessalonians 5:14, Hebrews 12:2 , 2 Peter 1:6 , Luke 21:19, Hebrews 10:36, Hebrews 6:12 , Philippians 2:10
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