How does one have patience in times
of affliction?? This was the question
running through my mind when I found myself awake at 4:00 this morning…
One of my favourite verses is
Romans 12:12…
“Rejoicing
in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”
I have always found it immensely
encouraging in times of difficulty… But
if I had to share it with someone, how would describe having patience in
tribulation?
For those who have accepted Christ
as their Saviour and experienced His saving grace, we rejoice because of the
hope we have in Jesus and what His death on the cross did for us. And we know that the difficulties we face
here on this fallen earth are only temporal.
As believers, we strive to keep an eternal perspective so that the
troubles that come our way do not discourage us from the end prize – a life
forever spent worshipping in the presence of our King.
‘PATIENT “denotes not
a passive putting up with things, but an active, steadfast endurance.’
~ Morris
As believers we are exhorted to
steadfastly endure the trials that come our way…
“You
need to persevere, so that after you have done God’s will, you will receive
what He has promised.”
~
Hebrews 10:36
But how do we do this? I believe that it is by drawing near to the
Lord and being firmly rooted in His Word, seeking Him on a daily basis for new
strength and courage…
I believe it is also by, “Continuing instant in prayer.”
From my own experience I have found
that it is not in times of plenty that I am nearest to the Lord, but rather in
times of great need. He is my only
source of strength and I find my comfort in Him.
“A
mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal
interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by
afflictions, will continue fervent devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions.
~
Matthew Henry Commentary
“We
should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for the wisdom to
make right use of it.”
~
Matthew Henry Commentary
“But
let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking
nothing.”
~
James 1:4
I do not know why we have to face difficulties
and sometimes endure extreme trials, but I do know this and can attest to it
through past experiences…
Trials do produce patience and difficulties come to grow us, stretch us
and draw us closer to Christ, fashioning us into His likeness.
My family have walked through a
number of storms these past few years, some of which I have written about
here. Many days we felt as if we simply
could not take one more step. Our hearts
were weary and our bodies weak.
But in those moments of complete vulnerability,
we saw the Lord work.
He lifted us up, dusted us off and
set us on the path once again. He didn’t
necessarily relieve of us the trial or difficulty.
He didn’t immediately wipe away the
pain and sorrow. But He did renew our
strength.
He drew us closer to Himself, encouraged
our tired and weary hearts and refreshed our minds with His Word.
Dear friend! In times of trouble…on the days when patience
is not a word you can even understand or bear to hear, take heart. He is with you and He loves you.
He is walking right beside through
this trial and whispering words of comfort to your heart.
Still the wild beating of your
heart and listen.
Take comfort in His Word and find
your refuge in His everlasting arms…
And be encouraged! Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to unto you,
that in me ye might have peace. In this
world ye shall have tribulation: but be
of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
~
I wanted to share this wonderfully
encouraging sermon by Charles Spurgeon with you. It is entitled, “My Comfort in Affliction”. I
know it will bless your heart as much as it did mind as I read it early this
December morning. Click here to read it...
"God will not permit any
troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing
can come out of the difficulty"
~ Peter Marshall
In Christ,
Kelly-Anne
Hi Kelly-Anne Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas and a Happy,Healthy and Peaceful 2019. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteMarion and Marilyn
Very encouraging post! I find it very helpful to remind myself that God has a plan, His plan is perfect and He knows the whole picture, while I only see a small bit.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Kelly-Anne. I love the quotes. I too have had to learn patience through trouble times. This is when we draw near to God and listen with our hearts and wait on Him. It isn't easy but when we yield to Him it is worth it, we find peace for our souls.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful 💕
ReplyDeleteHow true this message rings to my heart, dear friend! It is truly in times of distress that the Lord draws ever closer to us, because of our deep need for HIM. Praying that the Lord keeps you safe, and protected in the palm of His hand through the storm you are in. The storm can rage around us, but when we are safely in His hands, no evil work of the enemy can harm us. You and your precious family are in our prayers, dear one! Love you dearly, and praying the sweet and mighty presence of the Lord is with you in a special way. Hugs and blessings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, encouraging post, Kelly-Anne! Thank you for sharing this! Praying that you had a lovely Christmas and that your New Year will be one of health, happiness, and spiritual prosperity.
ReplyDeleteThis was beautiful and very encouraging , thank you so much for sharing with us!😀
ReplyDelete