JOTS FROM OLD JAKE
Do Christians Have Trials?
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007 - 4:08 p.m.
Well the answer to that is a definitely YES! We all have trials of some sort. Some more trying that others but non-the-less trials.
Two errors regarding trials consist of: 1) failure to anticipate trials. 2) and the fear of trials.
Jesus promised us trials: John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
All the apostles suffered trials. Christians should expect to have trials, they are an expected part of the Christian life. We should be prepared for trials just like all storms. Preparation can be critical in successfully enduring them.
To be fearful of trials is the second mistake Christians make. 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
What purpose is the trials of a Christian to the Body of Christ?
There are many reasons why we face trials. Here are just a few:
� To glorify God: Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:24-25 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spake and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.
� Discipline for known sin: Hebrews 12:5-11 and ye have forgotten the exhortation which reasoneth with you as with sons, My son, regard not lightly the chastening of the Lord, Nor faint when thou art reproved of him; For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. It is for chastening that ye endure; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not? But if ye are without chastening, whereof all have been made partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, even the fruit of righteousness.
� To prevent us from falling into sin: 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
� To keep us from pride: Paul was kept from pride by his "thorn in the flesh" 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch. Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
� To build faith: Have you ever noticed that a natural disaster will usually bring about an awakinging in the Church? 1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Of course I have only scratched the surface here but this should give us a start at the insight of our tribulations. A wise ole Indian once said that the Lord looks at us like unfinished gem stones and that we need to be polished to show our beauty. He takes a bunch of ugly stones and throws us into a barrel with sand and grit and we rub are a braised against each other until the rough edges are knocked off and then the grit puts on the final touches of polishing.
Is it any wonder that this scripture is true? James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
What an Awesome God we serve!
VERSE FOR THIS ENTRY!
Matthew 5:4-5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
ULTERIOR WORDS OF WISDOM� OR/NOT!
It is more noble to have patience and endurance than to have beauty and strength!
~Unknown~
May you be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit!
