Reflections

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?”Revelation 6:10

Have you ever been in the midst of a problem or trial and felt there was no way out? Have you ever seen circumstances or conditions and wondered how God could even allow such to go on? The passage above is the prayer or lament of those slain for the cause of the gospel. One would think that if we are on the winning side, why should we have to die or go through such trials?

Probably no person reading this has had to shed blood or be physically tortured for the cause of Christ. But, yes, we have our trials. And if they aren’t our own personal trials, we see things in the world and wonder why God would allow such.

Remember three things. The trial is for the good of the child of God. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good to them that love God. We may not always understand how, especially while we are going through the trial. Secondly, God is always good. We don’t have to question or wonder about that. The third reality is that there is no higher gesture of love to our Lord Jesus than to suffer and take it patiently. He suffered for us. Is it a small thing to suffer for Him? Certainly not.

Remember who is at the wheel of your life, and remember that He loves you and this trip is only temporary.

We’ll soon be home!

  Do you desire to do more for God?  Would you like to get more involved in serving Him, but don’t know where to start?    Sometimes, we might look at ourselves and feel that we are inept, or somewhat lacking the ability to do more.  Actually, these are good thoughts as long as they don’t defeat us.  Remember what Paul said, “…for when I am weak, then am I strong.”   Jesus wants  you to  know that you need His strength and power to serve Him.    The greatest thing you can do for God is to be faithful to Him.  God can give you more abilities or talents if He thinks that you need them, but  you must be faithful with what you have.  There are personal areas you may check concerning your faithfulness to  the Lord.  How is  your Bible reading and prayer life?  How about your faithfulness to the Lord’s House?  Tithes and offerings?  Speaking up for Christ when no one else will?  Be faithful to Christ. “ Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last.”  If you want to see a difference  in your life, and in the lives of others,  be faithful in your love and devotion to Christ.  You will be amazed at what Christ can do with you and through you. 

Space does not  permit for me to put the entire passage of I Thessalonians 4 in our bulletin.  The verse that you read above is talking about the rapture.  Two truths are proclaimed here.  One, the Lord may come in the air at any time and rapture us out while we are still living.  Two, those who have already died, or will have already died will be raptured first.  After that it says, “So shall we ever be with the Lord.”  Christian, we aren’t home yet.  Don’t get too comfortable with any of your conditions down here.  They are in process of change.  Don’t get too disillusioned with your disappointments down here.  We don’t yet have the comforts of our heavenly home, even though we are saved.  We aren’t home yet.  So, amidst your hurt, your sufferings, temptations and trials, be comforted to know that you are on the winning side.  Victory is guaranteed to you.  You might get hit a hard blow in battle now and then,  but, you are not home yet!    You are victorious in Christ, because of Christ.  Let us be comforted by these truths and draw our hearts even closer to our Lord.  God bless you this week as you live for Him.