Satan wants to do all that he can to make Christians doubt the power of God to meet their need.
Peter knew it. Jesus had told him that he was going to die for Christ, John 21:18-19 and to expect rejection from the world. He had already suffered for his faith - Acts 4 and 12.
Paul had his share of suffering, Stephen suffered for Jesus, and James was killed for his faith, Acts 12.
Maybe you have gone through an extended trial and had questions and doubts. Let’s just say that everything isn't doom and gloom.
In fact, we believers have it pretty good. Peter gives us several reasons for rejoicing.
We have a living hope, a lasting inheritance, a long-term salvation, and a longed for final reward. There is much cause for rejoicing in the Lord today’
1 Peter 1:7-8 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: . . . . . [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
As we weather the storms of life and see God come through time and again, we can develop a spirit of praise on our Heavenly journey.
We can know that Jesus goes through every trial with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us - Heb. 13:5; His grace is always sufficient for every need - 2 Cor. 12:9.
This ought to cause us to be filled with that unspeakable joy.
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“You're the haven where I rest. — You're the strength for every test. — You're the cleft of safety where my soul can hide. — You're the truth for which I long, — And you're the reason for my song. — Precious Jesus you're my every breath of life.”
Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither
Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.
