Followers of Christ! The Bible makes it clear that all who choose a righteous lifestyle will suffer persecution. Furthermore, the Bible makes it clear that many are the afflictions of the righteous. So, it is a guarantee that throughout your life you will encounter various struggles. Do not be discouraged by this fact. Instead, remember that Jesus Christ won the ultimate victory centuries ago. IT IS FINISHED! When you chose to live for Him and in His will, you are guaranteed a successful ending. But, wait…there’s more! You are also guaranteed many promises as you journey through this life as well. You were promised a Comforter, a community, strength, deliverance, authority, power…shall I continue?
Of course, you will face some difficult days. People you love will hurt you. Confusion will try to impede your progress. Questions you have will have delayed answers. You will make mistakes. More importantly, you will overcome. You will conquer. You will mature. You will have peace. You will love. You will have joy. If you hold on to God, if you trust in His game plan, if you stay the course—blessings are certain.
Do not isolate yourself. Do not retaliate. Do not fall for deception.
You are not defeated. Your God is mighty and His love for you is undying. So, you will make it out of the pit and into a wealthy place. Trust God and declare His word. Block out the noise of the distractions trying to drag you down. You never entered into this battle alone—God has been there all along.
Love,
CompassionateLee
Hebrews 12:7 Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? 8 If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. 9 Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. 11 Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.