. As Christians, we have a very difficult road to travel while in this world. Imagine an old country road that leads to a very high steep hill and on the hill is a cross and your goal is to get to that cross. It can be a very difficult climb. Sometimes, it’s easier to give up rather than struggle and maintain your continuous walk to the cross.
Romans 5:3-4 (KJV)
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
In (Rom. 5:3-4), we read that suffering will build our character. Suffering makes us stronger and better Christians. Suffering teaches us to continue trying rather than quitting. This strengthens and matures our basic character as people. In maturity, we gain a new perspective even as we suffer, looking on life with hope rather than despair. A hope based on an enduring experience with God and growing faith in God’s promises as enforced in our lives by the Holy Spirit.
Perseverance is maintaining your Christian faith through the difficult times of your life. As Christians, we have a very difficult road to travel while in this world. Imagine an old country road that leads to a very high steep hill and on the hill is a cross and your goal is to get to that cross. It can be a very difficult climb. Sometimes, it’s easier to give up rather than struggle and maintain your continuous walk to the cross.
God is faithful. His strength is sufficient for any trial. When trials come, they keep us from arrogance and teach us dependence on God. When persecuted or pressured, it is easy to lose heart or to doubt. When struggling with pain, it is easy to question God’s goodness. We must focus on God’s faithfulness and love and then persevere regardless of what we are going through. Remember God is with you always. So keep your focus on Him and His love.
When we experience difficult trials and tribulations, we normally pray to God and ask Him for immediate help. However, as we all know, God answers prayer in His own timing, so we may not receive immediate help from Him. We may have to go through many days, or weeks, or months or even years before we get the answer that we are praying for. We must think of God, not our comfort and give Him praise at all times.
Especially when we are going through some type of financial, emotional, spiritual, or physical pain, you want God’s help immediately. It is common and natural to feel isolated from God when we experience difficult times. However, the Bible assures us that God is present even when He seems far away! God is never late when it comes to handling our painful situations. He is always on time. His timing is not the same as ours. When we suffer, there is a possibility that God is allowing us to go through it for His purpose and glory. Or for our own good!
We can’t be selfish and just think about ourselves all the time. Remember, regarding what we are going through, everything is done to the glory of God. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
God will never leave us in our time of suffering, it is only natural that you want God to take away your pain immediately. But sometimes, it may seem that He is slow in solving the problems that we bring to His attention. Our suffering may be necessary and for our own good. We must at times of suffering keep our faith and trust in God.
Because Christ lives in us, we can persevere to the end. Endurance grows out of commitment to Jesus. The one who endures to the end will be saved.
When you are pressured to give up and turn your back on Christ, don’t do it. Remember the benefits of standing firm continue to live for Christ. Standing firm to the end is the evidence that you are really committed to Jesus.
Remember that the Bible teaches us that we are going to suffer in many different ways. But He is faithful and just and will never leave us or forsake us. God is always holding our hand when we are going through difficult situations and will never let go. Just because you cannot see the end result of your suffering doesn’t mean that God not working on your situation. Endurance may be hard at times but if you stand your ground you will see the work of the Lord.
When we suffer, let us remember these three important principles: (1) If we are faithful, God is present, even when He seems far away; (2) God’s timing is perfect, even when He appears late; and (3) During our times of suffering, the most important thing to do is keep our faith and trust in God.
"Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey!"
Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
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