|
|
|
|
You will have tribulation in this world The Tribulation has two major purposes, to bring Israel to believe, as the wrath of God is poured out on the world to repent during the Tribulation. There are tribulation[s] plural to all believer's and then there is the great tribulation. Matt 24:21-22 “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.” This is not the same as the tribulation we all will go through individually before this specific time period (called the 70th week of Daniel). Jesus said in John 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." This is a promise to all believers who follow Jesus just like any other promise he gave. What he gives is rest a peace to our souls through these trials than can be fiery, and upsetting. Rom. 5:3-4“we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”God has a purpose for each of us individually to be put through these trials. First and foremost is to grow our faith, our trust in him as he watches over us in this world. 2 Cor. 1:3-4 “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Paul stated in 2 Cor. 7:4-5 “I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.”One can still overcome any depression or sadness while going through these trials f they focus on the Lord. Jesus said“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11-12) We should not be overcome or dismayed at what takes place in the world or directly toward us. Jesus prayed that his joy would be fulfilled in us (John 17:13). This does not mean we are happy from the trial but do not become depressed or let it overcome our life, continuing to trust in his goodness. 1 Thess. 3:3-4 “no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.” Paul did not leave them in the dark, what would take place to them takes place to all. James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” As Paul writes in Rom. 5:3-5 “we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” We do not want to be like those whom Jesus spoke of in Matt. 13:20-22 Those who received the seed on stony places (the word), immediately receive it with joy ; V.21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.” No one should misunderstand that as believers we will go through trials, some like everyone else in the world and some specifically because of our faith. Rom. 8:35-36 “NOTHING will separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” God’s love does not change toward us as we go these hardships on earth. It is consistent, constant, even if we do not feel it is at the time. He is there, Jesus said he will never leave us nor forsake us. We read of when believers faced death for their faith they had an inner assurance of Gods love toward them. One of the purposes of God in these fiery trials 2 Cor. 1:3-4 “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation , that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Everything God does directly or allows to happen has a purpose, for us and for others. Because of how God treats us mercifully we can we treat others the same showing the nature of the one we live by. Paul tells us to persevere in our faith, in our spirit as we look to the future of what God has. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” |
|
