Details

Category: A Deeper Word

Published: Sunday, 12 February 2012 03:27

Written by Mark Neddeau

Hits: 1886

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 1 Pet. 4:12

Friends, Don't worry.  You are going through.  Notice I didn't say "You are going under." Or "You are going down."  No.  You are going THROUGH.  God has you in a test of FAITH.  Cancer, job loss, divorce, ridicule due to your profession of Jesus Christ, all of these firey TRY-ALLS are designed to do one thing; bring you to HIM who holds you up.

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  1 Pet. 4:13

Some of what Jesus endured was NOT because he was God in flesh, but simply because he was in FLESH.  He was hungry.  He hurt, he knew pain in his feet from walking, and loss of friends, and lonliness.  Paul suffered greatly - not JUST because of his faith but yet FOR his faith.  It was the beatings, abuse, lonley nights, cuts, friendless journeys and unknown dangers that made Paul who he was and allowed him to write of a God who delivers! 

Think about it.  It is the things from which we must be delivered that makes us appreciate and testify of a DELIVERER!  It is the times we feel let down that God is truly holding us up and holding up for us a way to say "YES - A DELIVERER IS STILL ALIVE!"   God is so tuned to you; so attached to you, so INSIDE of you that he suffers when you suffer.  He goes into the trials with you and it is he who can give you the power to go THROUGH and come out the other side.  Don't give in.

When Paul says "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me", he isn't saying he can AVOID all things but yet, within all things (poverty, hunger, sickness), he can DO IT!  He can endure and ultimately come out in victory.  Be encouraged today that God - the LIVING GOD - holds you in his hands and knows your fate.  Trust him.  He is still holding you up.

In Love,

Elders Mark and Dana Neddeau

• Prev
• Next