In far too many ways we have become spoiled as Christians, I say that because we believe that we should not have to face tough times. We believe in and want prosperity and that is fine, but we don’t believe we ought to suffer at all. Job answered his wife one day when she was complaining about their plight, he said, “Shall we receive only the good from God and not any of the pain? The Lord gives and he takes away blessed be His name.” Yes we must learn that in this life we will face difficult days and some hard nights, but I am encouraged by what Paul taught a young apprentice named Timothy. Paul pens a note of encouragement to his young student: That in and of itself was not out of the ordinary, because Paul was always encouraging the saints, but Paul writes this letter from inside a prison cell! Paul tells his prize pupil in the ministry that yes I am in prison but do not let this discourage you. Remember, he says, we are soldiers and as soldiers must be able to endure hardships if we are going to win.
Yes beloved, we will win but we will also suffer. This is the word I share with you today, the way of the Christian involves some suffering, some tough times, it is the way of the cross. We are reminded over and over again that without a cross there can be no crown.
Consider:
Learn to endure the hardships knowing that they will lead to the crown of righteousness that God has laid up for each of us!
Pray:
Lord as I look forward to the joys of life help me to prepare for some of the sorrows knowing that in all these things I am more that a conqueror.
Determined to live by faith,
Dr. Stan
