TRIBULATION FOR THE KINGDOM SAKE (PART 1)
"And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." - Acts 14:21-22, KJV.
Simply put, tribulation is defined as any form of distress or suffering resulting from opposition, oppression or persecution. In short, it is a trying experience. It sounds unbelievable that as Christians, we have been appointed to tribulations. Apostle Paul said he was (1Thess 3:1-3). The Lord Jesus told us He went through them and as His disciples, we should. Hear Him:
"Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;" - John 15:20, KJV. In the same vein, Apostle Peter had the same thing to say in 1 Peter 2:21.
If we are to enter into God's Kingdom, we must go through many tribulations, and we must never give up, but remain strong, the Bible says (Acts 14:22).
Brethren, as long as we remain in this world, let's get it settled that we will be persecuted (Jn 16:33). Anyone telling you otherwise isn't truthful.
The world will hate us, make things difficult for us. This is so because satan as the god of this world (2 Cor 4:3, Jn 14:30) hates God and everything or everyone that has anything to do with God. Don't you know that from the moment you committed to living in and for Christ, satan marks you as a target for persecution (2Tim 3:12). The Bible says that the same trials are accomplished in ourselves and in other Christians simply because of our faith in Christ (1 Pet 5:9).
Brother/Sister, you're not alone in this battle of faith. There are others that are going through the same or even greater trials than you do. It's called the test or trial of faith for every believer and satan is at the root of it all. The Bible clearly makes us know this and counsels us to stay strong in the face of his temptations. "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. - 1 Peter 5:9.
God is watching how you relate in the face of every satanic onslaught that He permits to come on you. Do you despair, get discouraged or yield to the temptation or trial?
Let's not forget that in Christ Jesus, God has made us more than conquerors, overcomers and victors (Rom 8:37; I Jn 5:4-5; 1 Cor 15:57). Jesus reminded us in Jn 16:33 that He overcame the world for us. What's more, through these trials, God is choosing His own: "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." - Isaiah 48:10. God ensures that trials and temptations don't consume us. They are like the Biblical burning bush of Moses' time, which was burning but didn't consume the bush (Exo 3:2-3).
In the face of temptations and trials what do you do? Let's remember that provided for us in Christ Jesus is Strength which surpasses all of the enemy's arsenal. Hence we are counseled to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might; to put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Eph 6:10-11). Elsewhere, we are told to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 2:1).
The biggest deception of the age is the notion that the devil doesn't exist. Unfortunately, many have bought this lie, hook line and sinker and have become victims of satanism with its attendant terror and destruction. But God hasn't hidden the truth from us. He informs us that satan and his forces are at work against us (Ephesians 6:12-13). But in Christ, we have been made more than conquerors and overcomers. When satan shows up, God expects that we resist him and in consequence, he will flee (James 4:7). Yet, our resistance must be steadfast in the faith (1 Pet 5:9). In the midst of these evil days, may the Lord help us.
PRAYER:
Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for putting me in Christ Jesus and making me a victor and an overcomer, in Jesus' mighty name.