“Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. Daniel 11:33-35 (NIV)
Trials, tribulations, turmoil all seem a part of life. Those who teach the gospel throughout the world are certainly not exempt from this. Indeed, there are many places in the world where worshipping Jesus Christ may result in torture, death, and loss of everything this earth offers. This is not new to our generation. This has been the story throughout the ages as God drew to Himself a people who would worship Him, a people to be His own. Our journey through a world broken and ravaged by pride, self-exaltation, and all the sins of a humanity where each person desires to be “god” in their own life; certainly will be filled with trials. Particularly, those trials will be greater for those who seek after God. The humble servant’s heart that would serve God in a sense goes completely against human nature. It is no wonder that the message of Salvation by Grace Alone is a message hated by pride filled men and women.
Continue reading “Can Suffering in This World Be Really a Blessing?”