Romans 5:3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh (produces) patience;
And that’s one thing about our work week, or even a normal week; it doesn’t stumble, or falter, or even miss a beat in it’s cyclical go round. Now that’s something many of us believers ought to try adopting; not faltering or missing a beat in our spiritual journey here on earth, but just staying calm, steadfast in prayer and persevering under whatever our circumstances might be. And no it’s not easy. It’s never easy to go against the grain, and the grain of this current world is evil and ungodliness.
As Jesus told Bruh Paul when He knocked him off his horse on his way to Damascus to incarcerate more believers. The Bible tells us: ‘And he (Bruh Paul) fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, (his name then was Saul), why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutes: it is hard to kick against the pricks.’ (Acts 9:4-5)
And if you’re wondering what Jesus meant, this commentary explains. “A ‘prick’ refers to a goad, which is a sharp spear or stick used to poke animals to make them move ahead. Rather than move forward, stubborn animals sometimes kick back to retaliate, literally kicking ‘against the pricks.’ But nonetheless, as true believers in Christ Jesus, we do need to kick back some against the sinfulness of this world, because that’s what our discipleship calls for, as characterized by this statement of Jesus. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23)
Now, we all know that crosses are heavy things to bear, but with God’s promised help and anointing we are all able to carry our crosses. Nobody said anything about it being easy…and life’s not easy. It never was, and never will be, but those who persevere in spite of the difficulties usually come out on top, come out the winners. And that’s all Christ is asking us to do; to persevere in His name, with His strength. Now why is that?
Because, as this passage from an article on the BibleStudyTools website explains: ‘Perseverance is vital to growing in your faith, and God wants his people to persevere no matter what happens, so we have to learn how to overcome obstacles, difficulties, trials, and tribulations to experience victory in Christ. We have two choices when faced with hardship – trust in God and keep our vision on Him or quit and abandon hope. God has so much more in store for us, and His plan for us is for struggles and hardships to become blessings and rewards if we persevere!’
And one of the great scripture passages on the subject is this one from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Roman church. ‘Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh (produces) patience; And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed (does not disappoint); because the LOVE of God is shed abroad (has been poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.’ (Rom. 5:1-5)
Yes friends, through the awesome sacrificial work of Christ, we have been brought back into right standing with God; justified, reconciled, filled with grace by faith, and can therefore rejoice in the hope that comes from all of that. A hope so sure and certain that we can even take pleasure in tribulations and all the other stuff that work against us, but build godly character when we persevere through them. Obviously with the help of the Holy Spirit that imbues us with the amazing LOVE of God.
One cannot ask for more than that my people. Our great God has indeed given us ALL that we need to succeed in His name in this world. We just need to bear down, buckle up, and use the numerous tools He’s given us, so that we can shine like a light in the darkness and spread the good news of his Word around the world. But success is only possible when we eschew the comfortable life that the world currently glorifies. Oh my fellow believers, in these difficult and mind boggling times, perseverance is a must for us to bring glory to God.
It’s like James also says: ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (various) temptations; Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (produces) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing.’ (James 1:2-4) There you have it friends, more godly advice on the power of patience and perseverance during the certain trials of life.
And Jesus also said it loud and clear in John’s gospel. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And if you’re a true believer, then you will use those words to boost your life. There will undoubtedly be tribulation in the world, but there’s no need to fear, because our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ has already overcome the world and all the trouble that’s in it.
Thus we can go back to the epistle of James, Jesus’ brother, and read these reassuring words. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when his tried (have been proven), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.’ (James 1:12) And there’s no better verse to go home on this Wednesday morning my people. One that gives us hope and reassurance that if we persevere with Christ, then we’ll receive a wonderful crown of life as promised by our heavenly Father.
Now let’s declare our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our amazing position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And let’s remember, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So let’s plan to meet at the very end nuh! That’s wisdom to the nth degree! Much LOVE!
…Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence…Talent will not…nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent…Genius will not…unrewarded genius is almost a proverb… (Calvin Coolidge; 30th President of the U.S.)
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