The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
"Much Tribulation"
"We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
Why? Among many reasons, one involves the simple truth that without trial, no born again believer would faithfully walk with God in this present life.
"Before I was afflicted, I went astray. But now have I kept Thy Word" (Psalm 119:67).
The flesh of even the most faithful Christian loves pleasure and comfort far too much for a trouble-free life in this present world. Challenge reminds, encourages, and challenges believers to seek God and His enabling by faith, the means by which we avail ourselves of His grace. Without trial, we would drift into the murky depths of depending on our own abilities and determinations. "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool" (Provers 28:26).
No less than the Apostle Paul required trouble as his challenging counselor. "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure" (II Corinthians 12:7). Of far more consequence (and mystery), the Lord Jesus Christ "learned obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). We must therefore recognize the truth regarding our own lives that challenge does not come our way arbitrarily or capriciously. Purpose accompanies pain, whatever its nature or measure. No challenge in the believer's life comes without necessary lessons regarding God's provision and our need. "The light shineth in darkness" (John 1:5).
Let us apply this truth to current trials and tribulations in our lives. Not one has come to us apart from the providence of our Heavenly Father's administrations or allowances. He has known from everlasting we would pass this way. He wove our challenges into His perfect purposes for us before ever we existed. This includes our ongoing need to know and grow in the realization we consider. What light shines in the darkness of difficulty we presently face? How will the Holy Spirit reveal God's perfect faithfulness? How will He teach us to trust Him in truer and more effectual ways? Most importantly, how will we discover the glory of the Lord Jesus and the truth that shines in His grace? "For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth" (Psalm 71:5).
The day will come when we no longer require tribulation as a primary means of communication by God. This is not that day (as of this writing). Presently, we need trial, trouble, difficulty, pain, and sorrow as wisely administered and allowed by God for His glory and our benefit. Is there any challenge we have not viewed in this shining light that glimmers in the darkness? If so, this moment beckons us to open our eyes and hearts to our desperate need for lessons that can never be learned apart from the "much tribulation" that accompanies and enlightens our journey to the kingdom of God.
"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
(II Corinthians 12:9-10)
Weekly Memory Verse
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
(Psalm 100:5)
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