There is no way to avoid being hurt, betrayed, lied to, mistreated, abused, accused, etc. Jesus experienced it. Paul experienced it. Many others were overlooked, taken for granted, cheated and wronged. So, because there is no way to avoid life's unfavorable situations, what do you do when you experience them?
As long as we keep our eyes on the prize, we can endure it. We go through the muck and grime of life, and know that at those times we are being watched and called upon to endure it accordingly: "Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks, in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Always? Continually? In all circumstances? That's a tall order, but an order nonetheless. Here is where the maturity of Job kicks in, "shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10 As he was being tested, mistreated, abused, broken and robbed (because Satan thought it was appropriate - not because Job had somehow deserved it - mind you)..."in all this he did sin in what he said."
Sometimes we go through difficulties in life and think I must be being punished for all those years I didn't do the right thing. But the Bible says that, "therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Romans 8:1) so, please don't believe the lie that your Heavenly Father is that cruel or vindictive. He will save you and remember your past no more. Your trials can just be because Satan thinks you're too cool for school and he wants to get in your business and run a muck just to see if you love God as much as you say you do. Don't let him get a second of gratification. You DO love God as much as you say you do!!
Rejoice always: Yes, even when it seems impossible.
Pray continually: because then you can draw on the strength of God and receive his help and grace in that time. He promises to be a very present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1.
Give thanks in all circumstances: Yes, even the unfavorable ones. Why? Because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
As long as we keep our eyes on the prize, we can endure it. We go through the muck and grime of life, and know that at those times we are being watched and called upon to endure it accordingly: "Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks, in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
Always? Continually? In all circumstances? That's a tall order, but an order nonetheless. Here is where the maturity of Job kicks in, "shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10 As he was being tested, mistreated, abused, broken and robbed (because Satan thought it was appropriate - not because Job had somehow deserved it - mind you)..."in all this he did sin in what he said."
Sometimes we go through difficulties in life and think I must be being punished for all those years I didn't do the right thing. But the Bible says that, "therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Romans 8:1) so, please don't believe the lie that your Heavenly Father is that cruel or vindictive. He will save you and remember your past no more. Your trials can just be because Satan thinks you're too cool for school and he wants to get in your business and run a muck just to see if you love God as much as you say you do. Don't let him get a second of gratification. You DO love God as much as you say you do!!
Rejoice always: Yes, even when it seems impossible.
Pray continually: because then you can draw on the strength of God and receive his help and grace in that time. He promises to be a very present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1.
Give thanks in all circumstances: Yes, even the unfavorable ones. Why? Because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
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