Monday, September 26, 2016

A PROMISE OF SUFFERING - John N. Baker

 

 A PROMISE OF SUFFERING

John N. Baker


Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:29

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only  to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." What a  promise! Many today intimate that every kind of suffering  comes about because we are out of the path of the will of  God. True enough that we bring many of our troubles on  ourselves. However, the very opposite may be the case.  "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer  persecution" (II Timothy 3:12). Peter has an admonition  which is applicable to this subject. "Wherefore letthem that  suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of  their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator"  (I Peter 4:19). It is not presumed in the Word that the  salvation which we have by God's grace, brings with it total  relief from pain, sickness, disease, trial and puts us on a  rose-strewn path. This is the picture which is often painted,  but the real world situation does not bear it out. Also the  Scriptural viewpoint is a totally different one.

When we are saved by grace, our sins are forgiven; we  are in the hands of God; and no one or no thing is able to  pluck us out of His hand (Romans 8:38, 39). Nevertheless,  we still live in this sin-struck, Godless world and will face  suffering and persecution. We are to commit this to our  faithful God. We are not to retreat when pressure and trial  comes but are to commit all to Him "in well doing." Here is  the best tonic for a sufferer. Do what you can well, within  the limits of the circumstances, and soon you will forget  about your problems. Idleness turns us to self-pity. Well-  doing is the best tonic no matter how dark the shadows  through which we pass. We can then commit our safe-  keeping to our faithful Creator.



THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND – TRIBULATION

By Les Feldick

 

 
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