As pilgrims journeying through this land we come upon many trials, temptations, sorrows and pain. Too often the modern day church would try to cover up the truth of our journey and say such things as "come to Christ and you will never again experience sorrow, life will be easy". Others will say name whatever you want and it will be yours. Then we realize that neither is completely true; despite a ring of truth hidden deep. I have often told you about the tremendous joy in Christ that overcomes the sorrows and that we must fight at times to hold onto
that joy. This is true…there is joy and peace that is found in Christ once we have come to the realization that He is our greatest treasure; yet, foolish pilgrims that we are there are those moments when we become complacent in the rolling hill or pasture that we are currently passing through. We desire to stay there and let our desires wander toward counterfeit joys once more; losing sight of our only true joy—a relationship with our Creator who is perfect beauty and perfect joy. His work in transforming us into a vessel that can truly experience His love, His Glory, and His joy one day must be always about removing the blemishes and the desires for counterfeit joys. He loved me as I was with all my faults; but He loves me too much to leave me where I was and He is ever about the work of transforming me into the image that He knows I can and will be. Let us look at truths that Peter wrote about which will help you and I to understand this journey.
I Peter 5: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
What truths do we need to remember when trials surround us?
1. Remember the state in which God found you. There is no room for pride here. You had nothing to bring to the table; yet, He loved you, He chose you, He paid the price to redeem you, and His might hand of grace is preparing you to be able to truly experience the joy, love, and glory that will be yours in an eternal presence with God.
2. Remember and never forget that He loves you and desires the best for you; so talk to Him, place prayer as a priority. Tell Him everything about your day (even though He knows), He wants to hear your voice. He is the best friend you could ever have and is always listening with unconditional love.
3. Remember that the voice which is whispering words of fear, defeat, disbelief, and disenchantment is the voice of Satan who wants you to fail. Study your scripture so that you can always have an answer ready to make Him go away.
4. Remember that in this world there will be trials and afflictions; but be of good cheer, Christ overcame the world. This is not your final home.
5. Remember that the God of Grace is the one who will finish the work He started in you. All of this, every moment of joy and every tear shed are a part of the tapestry that God is weaving to make you perfect, stable, strong, full of peace. He knows what is best and all I need do is trust Him.
When I remember these truths, the joy I have in Christ, the peace I have in trusting His mighty hand, and the faith I need to stand are all mine in any circumstance of life. Then it is true that my life is beautiful as this song I heard on the radio said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbCfyZHSQbE
Question: Can you remember a sorrow that later you realized was a blessing? Or tears that were later transformed into joy?
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”