The subject of suffering seems to come and go. But, it never really goes away. It is, of course, directly affected by life’s ups and downs. Right now, there seem to be many who are on the down side of things. The housing market collapse, wall street, government bailouts, all of these have directly affected everyone. I personally know of several churches and pastors whose finances have suffered greatly because of the economy. What has been noticeably absent through this nationwide trial is the “Why me?” syndrome. You know what I’m talking about, that feeling that God has singled you out, picked on you, unfairly put more on you than you thought He should. This kind of feeling usually comes when you perceive yourself to be the only person in the fiery furnace. Most are not alone in the furnace. There are many others. But, because they are facing customized trials and not shared burdens, everyone feels alone because of their specific persecution. So, as a result of this nationwide crisis, most people know that they are not alone in their suffering. They are facing what everyone else is facing. For whatever reason, this seems to help people cope with their suffering. They can’t blame themselves for this trial, the whole nation is going through it! We know that whether we endure our problems alone, or with 300 million others, if we keep the faith, we will come forth shining.
So whatever happens from here on out, I want to always remember a little something God gave me. In Job 23, Job, the classic example of enduring a fiery trial, says “But he (God) knows the way that I take: when he has tried me, I will come forth as gold.“ And, the point is, as the title of this post says, there is no “if” in this verse. It doesn’t say, “if he tries me...” it says “when he has tried me…“ There is no, “I might be tried…maybe I’ll be tested…” You will be tried, you will be tested. That’s not the big question. The big question is, will you endure to the end?
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).
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12).
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (Matt. 24:13).
Thanks Brother for sharing this revelation. God will see us through and it will cause us to seek Him. It seems like He never made it easy for us all the time, but we have to seek the Lord and wind up closer to Him through every trial.
You made me think of 1st Peter ,” Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you”
Loved it Joel. No ifs, but whens. I’ll be ready for the trials