“PATIENT IN TRIBULATION” – Pastor Chris
Friday, August 3, 2018
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12).
2Timothy 2:3 says, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” In various Bible translations, different words are translated patience. However, the best synonym that describes patience is “endurance”; the ability to be patient in tribulation; that is, enduring hardship with hope. This means you’re able to face any opposition and remain unflustered, knowing the Lord is with you.
Proverbs 24:10 admonishes us against giving up or giving in, in the day of adversity; rather, we’re to maintain our victory. Maybe you’re at the beginning stage of developing your faith, and things may be looking tough and very challenging, have confidence in the Word. Be patient and give the Word time to work in your life and in your circumstances. Endure. That situation is for your testimony!
There’re people who don’t know how to stick with what they believe. For example, once they’re criticized for their faith, they tend to be discouraged; that’s wrong! Endure such criticisms, for they’re designed for your promotion. Don’t renounce the Faith just because a colleague at work made derogatory remarks about you or Christianity. Rather, be proud of your identity and association with Christ. Keep winning souls.
It won’t be long before those who may be criticizing you acknowledge the glory and power of God on your life. Therefore, endure with hope the tests or trials you may be experiencing right now. The Lord Jesus said in Luke 21:19, “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Endure challenges with hope, knowing that you’ll never be disadvantaged or defeated. Be hopeful and confident of a better and brighter day ahead! Create that picture in your mind—the picture of victory and triumph, and hold on to it.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I thank you for the extraordinary life of excellence, dominion and power that I have in Christ. I count it all joy when I go through diverse tests, because I know who I am: a victor for life, destined to reign, win, and excel, irrespective and independent of pressures and negative circumstances, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY: Proverbs 24:10; Galatians 5:22 NIV; Hebrews 10:35-36
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Romans 7:7-25 & Psalms 64-67
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN Ephesians 5:17-24 & Isaiah 54
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