Overcoming Trials and Tribulations

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JESUS SPEAKING

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

According to Jesus, in this world, every Christian will experience adversity. Although Godly living leads to greater peace, Faith in Christ doesn’t exempt anyone from enduring trials and tribulations. And yet Christians are endowed with the Spirit of the Living God; a source of eternal strength that enables them to overcome any obstacle with joy. This display of supernatural peace in the midst of trials is baffling to those who are beaten down and afflicted by despair. As the struggles of life burn away our defects, a more perfect image of Jesus Christ is revealed.

The cocoon of the Emperor Moth is flask-shaped. In order for the perfect insect to emerge it must force its way through the neck of the cocoon in hours of intense struggling. Many believe that the pressure to which the moth’s body is subjected to during this process is a product of God’s design, which forces the juices into the vessels of the wings. It is said that if an individual intervenes, and prematurely cuts away the cocoon, the moth will emerge with shriveled wings, rendering it incapable of flight. In this case, it seems the struggle is necessary for proper development.

In much the same way, the trials and tribulations that Christians endure in this life are occasions for growth and opportunities for evangelism. Although believers are not exempt from adversity, we are free from despair, immune to destruction, and devoid of hopelessness. When we remain faithful, no matter our circumstances, others will see God in us. Thus in the midst of our worst moments, God can receive His greatest glory.

“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to endure and overcome any adversity. In the midst of our trials may we exemplify a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. As we faithfully endure difficulties, help us to grow strong, and to become a more accurate reflection of Your Son. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name, amen.” God bless all of you!

Accomplishing God’s Will

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JESUS SPEAKING

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6: 38 – 40)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Accomplishing the perfect will of God was always Christ’s primary purpose. Every word He spoke, every miracle He performed, and every message He preached, were all precise manifestations of God’s desires. For those who have accepted the gospel and have been reborn, an overwhelming hunger to fulfill God’s wishes in the present time will become paramount.

As individuals grow older they begin contemplating how their assets might be passed down to their children. Many will record a ‘last will and testament;’ a written document that outlines exactly how they want their valuables to be distributed. If an individual suspects their children might argue or fight over their inheritance, they may choose to appoint a trusted person to be the ‘executor’ of their will. In this case, someone still living is given the task of making sure the will is followed to the letter. If anyone contests the will, an executor will appear in court on behalf of the deceased and make certain that their will is carried out.

Like any good ‘executor,’ those who follow Christ are tasked with carrying out the will of God in this world. We must never deviate from the accomplishment of His desires. We must speak only His truth, no matter how challenging the circumstances might become. If we are committed to spreading the pure gospel, without alteration or compromise, then we will endure persecution, hatred and contempt.

“Lord Heavenly Father may we always do what is pleasing to You. May we spread Your gospel message without changing it in any way. May all of our words and deeds be accurate reflections of Your perfect will. Fill us with your Holy Spirit Lord, that we might be strengthened and prepared for the ministry. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Glorifying God

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ‘Now around the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never studied?” Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not my own, but His who sent me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority. He that speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7: 14-18.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  The educated men listening to Jesus speak were astonished at His perfect knowledge of scripture. Unlike them, He had never attended any notable Hebrew schools; nor had He sat at the feet of some prominent rabbi. Instead, His knowledge and wisdom came from God. Many of the Jewish Scholars demanded praise and admiration for their many years of extensive learning; Jesus however, sought only to honor and glorify God. Chasing after our own glory is a vain and empty endeavor; but seeking to glorify God and His only Son is the Christian way of life.
  One man who thoroughly understood this principle of righteous humility was John the Baptist. When Jesus began baptizing people in the Jordan river, John’s followers became concerned, saying “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him.” John replied, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven […] He must increase, and I must decrease.” John’s heart was devoid of selfish pride; he humbled himself and glorified the Son of God.
    Although Jesus Christ reigns in heaven, His deeds continue upon this Earth. He performs many miracles through his disciples. Some however, who selfishly desire glory, may take credit for God’s works. And yet a trustworthy servant renders to God the praise and honor He deserves. Glorifying God requires humbling ourselves. He must increase and we must decrease. As followers, we must forgo admiration so that God may receive what is rightfully His? Those who honor God in all things will receive an eternal reward.
  “Lord Heavenly Father, may You increase as we decrease. May we let go of our selfish desires for praise, that You would receive the credit for the good works that You are accomplishing in us, and through us. May we continue to be vessels of Your love and messengers of Your mercy. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit Lord, and may we always be pleasing to You. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!