Overcoming Tribulation and Finding Joy in the Journey

John 16:33 provides us with an reminder that we all will endure tribulation, however, we can have good cheer, because Jesus had overcome the world.

Often we will start to feel sorry for ourselves and say..."Why is this happening to me?" or "What did I do to deserve this?"  or we may even be as bold and state or think..."What is wrong with you God?!"

As Billy Graham once stated, such complaining is shortsighted and wrong.  Vision this if you may, many of us have flown or have seen visions or pictures of the Earth and the grown from an high elevation.  One can see so much from high above, but when on the ground, our view and vision is limited.  Our perspective of the earth is far different from what it was when we were on the ground.  This is much like God, he can see all things and know all things.  As for we, our knowledge and vision is limited.  God knows the big picture and knows what is best for us.  No one really knows why we face tribulation, other than, us being told we will face it.  As we look to God, instead of to ourselves and our circumstances, our perspective change. 

Perhaps tribulation for each of us is to prepare us in preparation to help others, or perhaps, to make us stronger and enjoy a closer walk and journey with Our Lord.  

Remember, as God reminded Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (Job 38:4).  Also keep in mind, such complaining can and most likely shows a lack of faith; we are doubting God's wisdom and His love for us.

We, including myself, need to continue trusting in Our Lord throughout our tribulations to know as in (Jer 29:11), He has a plan for each of us and to keep the faith.  

It is also encouraging to be reminded of this wonderful promise of Christ..."Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Aw yea! Do not forget about the joy.  Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength."

If anyone can state this it is the Apostle Paul.  Few men suffered as Paul did, yet he learned how to live above his circumstances - even when in a prison cell.  The key is to realize, as Paul did, we are here to serve Christ, not ourselves.


As mentioned, God does not promise us an easy life, free of troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations.  He does not call his children to a party or to a playground of fun, but to a battleground.  In the middle of all of this, when we serve Christ, we truly can and most likely discover that "joy of the Lord is our strength."


I pray as we face tribulation we will find Joy along the way to know God has a plan and we need to trust in Him, and find delight knowing...Jesus had overcome the world and the joy of the Lord is our strength.


He sees and knows all, the big picture, and remember...he is with us and goes before us every where we go.


Remember to look to God...Keep you eyes on Him.  Luke 21:28, "Lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

God Bless America...words by Ben Franklin

I found the follow when reading one day.  It is a statement from Benjamin Franklin, I believe still has relevance today for us and our current leaders.
 
Benjamin Franklin states, "In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth...How has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings?  In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine protection.  Our prayers, sir, were heard; they were graciously answered...Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend?

I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?  We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."  I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial, local interests, our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword to future ages."

Thank you Mr. Franklin, for those words to remind us we need not forget God and need to return to God as we continue to build this country. 

Steven