1 Peter 1:3-9 KJV 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 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: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
What do all people have in common, sorrow and suffering. Everyone is touched by these. As believers we are given the purpose and the the understanding that joy is the result. To the natural thinking this is crazy but then God never indulges our natural thinking.
How do we keep our joy during times of sorrow and suffering? It helps to know it has a purpose.
Peter tells us when trials come our way we need them, they do not last forever, and they come in different forms (verse 6). Then we find these trials have a purpose. They prove our faith, not to God but to ourself. God already knows our weaknesses. We are proving our faith to ourself which brings great joy. Think about it. No more am I saved or not. Once the trial is over it has proven salvation is working in us. It is proof Jesus keeps us because we belong to Him. It is proof no one is able to snatch one of God’s own from His hand. But it doesn’t stop there, I hope. Trials result in joy and we hold the joy we have been given because we focus on our inheritance that is in heaven that God is keeping for us. This inheritance is ours forever.
The fiery trial has a goal – proves our faith. Our proven faith has a goal, joy and knowing the salvation of our soul.
Colossians 3:1-2 tells us to live focused on what awaits us in heaven. This earth and everything on it is temporary but our treasure in heaven is eternal.
Hebrews 10:32-36 describes the suffering of the believers. Contrary to belief the Christian life includes unjust suffering.
Hebrews states: Believers were publicly abused, put in prison, and lost all of their possessions. This happened then and is happening now, even in America. Soon the word of God is going to become more than an old book, past stories, or black letters on a white page. As Hebrews 12:4 states, the word of God is alive and as each jot and tittle comes to live in the world and in each persons life there will have to be a descision made. Will we rejoice when we share in the sufferings of our Lord and Savior Jesus proving our faith, keeping our joy, and knowing we are secure in our salvation.
1 Peter 3:15 KJV But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Does your suffering look like the unbelievers or does the joy and hope in Christ rule your heart?
An amazing story of someone who has Joy during her trials.
The Rapture
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ: As some of you are already aware, I have stage 4 urethral cancer. It’s non-operable and invasive (having now already spread to lymph nodes, both regional and distal; other organs; bone; and other areas of the body as well).
It was during the first week of April, the oncologist gave a prognosis of five months maximum. That was almost 3 months ago. Some days when I awaken, I am amazed to still be here. Although none of us (mankind) can know the exact time and date of our death, as this is in the Lord’s hands alone. God’s will be done… by Rapture Ready and Author by Ronda Lane
