09/09/2024
Don't give up!
Have you ever wondered why as a devout child of God you pass through diverse temptations and you feel like life is giving up on you? It is because we are called and given gifts to serve people and the body of Christ. You may ask how does that relate to our sufferings? Well, that is the pattern established by God himself. When God wanted to solve the problem of our sins and to forgive us, he came to the earth and suffered many trials and temptations. That's why Hebrews 4:15 says: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus is able to sympathize with our weakness and ever ready to forgive us when we repent because he passed through what we as humans pass through, though he without sin. That way he felt it, he experienced first hand, how temptation works in the flesh. God is a spirit and never at first had flesh to experience the temptations. But coming in the flesh he tasted it all. If you want to serve people in any area and capacity you have to pass through what people pass through in those areas so that you will be more effective, not judging them in condemnation but having the patience and sympathy that is required to help and serve them in love.
As a minister of the gospel, If you have never been through a situation how can you understand what people in that situation are going through, so that you can patiently help them get through? You see why the Bible says so many are the afflictions of the righteous? Well, thank God it says the Lord delivers them from all.
Most people who are called find themselves pass through diverse trials and temptations. Some suffer broken homes and turbulent marriages, some suffered and recovered from life threatening ailments, and for some it was stagnation, while some others suffered shame and ridicule. It get worst at times and you feel like your life is a waste or meaningless. Consider how medical doctors read through the nights, soldiers go through drills in the bush when others are resting, and athletes exercise their muscles everyday till retirement from the sports. As a child of God trials help you to exercise your spiritual muscles. But if you hold not too long you would see the wisdom behind those trials. One thing is sure you will come out victorious because first Peter 5 verse 10 says: And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. I hear in the Spirit that this is where some of you are today. God is confirming and establishing you.
For others, till you are established God promises you this: I will stand by you, I will help you through, I will dry your tears, I will fight for you, I will hold you tight and I won't let go.
If you stand with God, type in the comment "I won't give up!"
