Tuesday, March 08, 2011
"We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." --Acts 14:22
God's people have their trials. It was never designed by God, when he chose his people, that they should be an untried people. God- So many people see the Christian life as a way to feel good, to escape reality. Lord, true followers of Christ know that the trials are many, but the Joy is abounding. They were chosen in the furnace of affliction; they were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy. I know Lord, that you have peace and joy for me, not of this world, not the fleeting joys of possesions or accomplishments. Freedom from sickness and the pains of mortality was never promised them; but when their Lord drew up the charter of privileges, he included chastisements amongst the things to which they should inevitably be heirs. In your chastisment of me, God produce a willing heart. A heart that will suffer and be glad. Trials are a part of our lot; they were predestinated for us in Christ's last legacy. So surely as the stars are fashioned by his hands, and their orbits fixed by him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: he has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us. Good men must never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them. Mark the patience of Job; remember Abraham, for he had his trials, and by his faith under them, he became the "Father of the faithful." I desire to have the faith that will surpass my trials, that will prove to last until you return.. God let me remain in you and know that nothing will overcome your power and might. Note well the biographies of all the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, and you shall discover none of those whom God made vessels of mercy, who were not made to pass through the fire of affliction. I know that by passing through the fires will be painful, but they will only refine me more. Lord, with you I know that my trials will come, but they will not take my life. They will not have power. God I know that the sufferings will surely strike, but I know that you will not leave me alone. It is ordained of old that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, as the royal mark whereby the King's vessels of honour are distinguished. But although tribulation is thus the path of God's children, they have the comfort of knowing that their Master has traversed it before them; they have his presence and sympathy to cheer them, his grace to support them, and his example to teach them how to endure; and when they reach "the kingdom", it will more than make amends for the "much tribulation" through which they passed to enter it. Your promise of eternity will spur me on in weakness. Your suffering for my sake will keep my heart pure. Your love for me will brighten the darkness and I will press on knowing that your will is done.
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