Tag Archives: Spirituality

Cast Down but not Destroyed

by Saint In Training
Original Image by: Joel Olives

Original Image by: Joel Olives

Satan does not wait for anyone to come to him, he goes searching. Like a lion on the prowl he searches for lives to destroy; minds to confuse; bodies to afflict with sickness and disease; families to tear apart and finances to dry up. He does this to the children of God in hopes that we will first curse God, and then die.

Sometimes we feel as though we will be overcome. We are surrounded on every side; struck down by the problems we face and threatened with hopelessness. But, we are not without hope. Our hope is in Christ. Our strength is in Him. God sees our tears and He knows our heartaches and our fears.

God is the God of Compassion. He cares for us and he wants us to bring him our worries, our anxieties and troubles. He wants us to leave them in his capable hands. He wants us to trust Him!

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (NIV)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

It leads one to wonder as to the whys of God’s seeming unwillingness to deliver us speedily from our trials. Paul addresses this with eloquence:

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Does God allow us to be tormented for the sake of others? The answer is ‘yes’ but it is not as simple as it seems. You see, it’s through our sufferings that we not only receive God’s glory but He is glorified among men. When we endure without giving way to the enemy, our fellow sufferers who are our brothers and sisters in Christ receive comfort and encouragement in their own fight of faith. Further, sinners who watch us, some who are in hopes of our failing, will see the salvation of our faith which is Christ Jesus. Even if our tribulation seems to be unto death, Paul preaches, it is so that we will trust in God and not in ourselves (nor in man).

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

But here is the hope and the promise!

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Paul reiterates this reason and hope in 2 Corinthians 4:15-17 (NIV):

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man [our Spirit] is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…

During our days of lack when we’ve drawn our belts so tight we can’t get air enough to breath and we’ve received all the assistance man has to offer but still are in need – we must endure and trust God.

When the doctors shake their heads in despair and their reports offer us no hope of recovery, beloved we must endure and trust God.

When our children, siblings or spouse refuse to turn to the Savior we love and adore; when they linger in the filth of sin and shame, we must endure and trust God.

It is in God we find hope. It is in the Master of the universe that our peace resides. It is in the bottomless well of Living Water where our thirst can be quenched. Though the fiery arrows of the enemy fly overhead and threaten to engulf the world around us in flames – we must endure and trust God.

Beloved of God, my brothers and sisters in Christ, stand firm on the rock of your salvation. Stand! Do not give ground. Do not give up. If you have to crawl, clawing your way inch by inch to the mountain’s peek, screaming and crying all the way – don’t you dare give up! For, “after you have suffered a little while,” your suffering will end. (2 Peter 1:10 NIV) It is ‘after’, that God will heal. It is ‘after’, that God will loose the chains from the captives. It is only after that the flood gates of prosperity will be opened.

But before we can see the ‘after’ – we must endure.

It hurts. It’s painful. God knows the chaos and confusion that assails our minds. Cling to Him! Dig in the deeper beloved. Imprint yourself in the Ark of Safety and hang on for dear life because if you don’t, “…to whom shall we go?”

It is God who has the words of eternal life. He is our hope in this life and He loves us. He hears our prayers and despite what the enemy may say God has answered every one of them. We just have to wait for the answer to be made manifest.

Trust Him. Rely on Him. Turn to Him and He will not fail you. Hold on! For the Lord says:

“I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.”   Revelation 2:9-11 (NIV)

Beloved I don’t like to suffer. I’ve been running from suffering all my saved life. But, I am not alone anymore; I have the Holy Spirit within: He says it’s time to stop running. I have the Hope of Glory residing on the inside of me and where I falter He will stand! So I say to my Lord, the God of my Salvation, my Hope of Glory…So be it.

I pray that you are encouraged and that the Holy Spirit will enable you to do the same. If you have not yet received the free gift of the Holy Spirit, pray to receive Him and that God grants you mercy until you do. He who is able to keep us faultless will cover you with His mercy and grace until that blessed time.

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For additional encouragement read:

2 Peter 1:7-11

1 Peter 5:7-9

The Suffering Saint – a poem

A Pit full of Purpose – a poem

 

The Suffering Saint

by Saved 2 the Utmost aka Mom

Original Image by: John Griggs

Salvation does not mean that we are exempt from suffering in this world. In truth, it is because we are saved that we must be tried.

Centuries ago, King Solomon wrote these words of wisdom: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Eccl 3: 1 KJV) He was a man gifted in wisdom the likes of which has never before or since been seen. However, Job, that suffering saint of great renown, testified of the woes of life by saying, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1) So you see, suffering is a part of a Christian’s life – we were forewarned that we too will experience our seasons of trials. There are many testimonies given by the heroes of faith; those men and women who willingly accepted suffering with grace. They put their trust totally in God, showing their commitment to him. They knew that God can be trusted in all things, with all things!

Unfortunately, for many Christians today, when we are faced with trials we are quick to ask these questions of ourselves and of God, ‘What have I done wrong to deserve this?’ and ‘Why is God punishing me?’ We assume that we must have done something to deserve calamity when it comes. I know this to be true for myself; I’ve asked those questions many times during my saved life. I made the assumption that God must not have been pleased with me or that I sinned unknowingly and was reaping the penalty. Do you know, I even thought that God was punishing me for sins I had committed prior to my conversion?! I did this for years, never considering the fact that I had been given these seasons of trials by Satan because I was living a Christian life that was pleasing to God. In this I was somewhat like Job. I am sure that it never occurred to this upright man, who shunned evil, that the anguish he endured was logical. After all, he was a God fearing man and was dedicated in his faith in serving God. No one who knew him could speak negatively against his life-living before the Lord.

However, no one knew Job better than God, not even Job himself! It was God’s knowledge of Job’s character that prompted Him to bring Job to Satan’s attention.

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ Job 1:8 (NKJV)

Dear hearts, when Satan makes an accusation against us before the Lord, God still asks the question of Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant…?’!

Job had no idea that God had discussed him with Satan nor did he have any idea that it was God who gave Satan permission to test him with the condition that he not destroy him.

“And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” Job 1:12

The trials of affliction didn’t stop with Job; the New Testament believers had their time of testing as well. That’s why Peter encouraged the church concerning the travails they were going through for being Christians.

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in as much as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering; that, when his glory shall be revealed, Ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 (KJV)

Paul too wrote about the persecution and afflictions that he endured and cautioned the saints to expect the same.

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

Suffering doesn’t come easy dear hearts because it takes a willing spirit and a made up mind to accept that pain is a part of our Christian lives. It’s especially difficult to accept when we’ve endured a lot of hardship in our lives prior to becoming a Christian. I know this to be true for myself and I’m sure there are some of you who can identify with me.

It wasn’t until after I’d had cancer twice that I accepted suffering as a blessing in my life. Why? Because it was during that time I learned the meaning of having an in-spite-of praise. It was then that I went to the why-not-me praise! I was able to humble myself in my affliction instead of fighting against my affliction. I went from believing that God could, to knowing that he would. It was then that I went from spiritual weakness to becoming spiritually strong. I stopped being a spiritual infant and learned to fight. I conquered my doubts in thinking that I may live and began to embrace the thought, by faith, that I would live! I realized the need for my suffering and it was during those times that my blessed Lord ministered to my spirit through his holy word. In 2006 when I had colon cancer He led me to read:

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”  Psalm 34:19

In 2010 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer he gave me this scripture and comforted me heart, mind and soul:

“When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not over flow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2

Only the true and living God can give you peace, real peace, in the time of a storm. We all have different storms, tests and afflictions but we have this in common – the God we serve is able and he will keep his promise that he will never leave us or forsake us!

I am still climbing the steps of faith dear hearts; I haven’t reached the top level yet but I am striving to get there. I encourage you to not be discouraged for if we keep pressing; if we keep trusting and if we keep enduring as good soldiers then the only outcome for us will be victory!

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The Suffering Saint

God give me the grace to suffer; you did not promise no pain.
Give me the grace to praise you and to magnify your name.
Suffering is not easy; you did not say that it would be.
You only promised to keep us and remain with us eternally.

Your love is ever before me, no matter the toils or snares.
Your grace is surely sufficient upon you I can cast all my cares.
Suffering comes in different colors:  pain, loss and derision are a few.
But none can compare to scarlet; it’s pain unique only to you.

Blood, like rivers, descended from your torn and agonized flesh.
Pain? You bore it for our weakness; you gave for us your very best.
If I take up my cross and suffer, as did your beloved son,
I too will reap the promise and can say, “My work is done.”

So I ask you Lord for grace that I not murmur and complain.
I pray oh Lord to please you for I live only to see you again.

© Rebecca C. Wilcox 2012
All Rights Reserved

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Related Articles:

Joy in the Midst of My Storm

“Even if He doesn’t deliver.” Daniel 2:18

After the Test, the Blessing!

“Bid me come…”

by Saint In Training

Image Courtesy: harajukumatt

Peter perceived that, through Jesus, nothing was impossible; no goal was outside his reach. It was he who made the attempt to walk on water when others were content to stay on the boat. The boat, to them, was the known entity, the only ark of safety within reach, a tangible shelter against the storm-tossed sea. Peter thought differently. It’s because of his daring and his childlike faith in God that he experienced a miracle none of the other disciples would be able to claim as theirs:  Peter walked on water.

Matthew 14

22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.     (KJV)

Peter defines what it is to have daring faith and the possibilities of obtaining the impossible. If we follow his example we too can walk on water.

Walking on the waters of faith

Original Image by: Jon Wilde

Peter recognized that through Jesus, nothing was impossible to him – he comprehended the hitherto hidden truth, then he acted.

Peter asked God to command him to “come” and I’m sure it pleased God to answer in the affirmative. He could have had second thoughts and changed his mind before taking his first step, but he didn’t. It wasn’t until Peter took his eyes off of God and focused on the storm surrounding them that he began to falter. The very moment he lost contact with God he began to sink. A thousand thoughts and images must have passed through his mind and I’m sure he longed for the safety of the boat as the watery depths pulled at him but he was too far away – in an instant his heart recognized what his eyes lost track of – his salvation was in Jesus. And so he cried, “Lord! Save me.” And immediately, Jesus secured his hand and together they walked to the boat and climbed aboard.

Jesus will never leave us alone even when we cause our own downfall, He’s always there!

I take comfort in knowing that I can call out to Jesus for help anytime, for any reason and He will always answer. Some falter and drown in the sea of life because pride and/or a false sense of self-sufficiency prevent them from crying out to Jesus for help.

The storms that arise in my life are opportunities to grow in God and to garner a deeper fellowship with him. Through adversity and trials I can better see “me” my weaknesses, my true spiritual state and I can choose to grow. This is important to take note of: we have a choice to let the storm be a vehicle by which we travel to the next level in Christ or to drown in despair and hopelessness.

It’s up to me to do what the poem says, “Praise him in the midst” and thereby rise to the next level. Or if I refuse to grow, to trust and praise God despite the situation, I will continually struggle with the demons of despair and despondency and ultimately, I will grow tired, give up the fight and go under.

It is up to me whether or not I sink or walk on water.

I’d rather do what Peter did. Peter took courage in the midst of the storm that raged around him and his brother disciples. Many focus on his drowning but I am awed by this man’s attempt to walk on water in the middle of a powerful tempest! Who of us today would even think to attempt such a thing? Not me! And yet, this man’s burgeoning faith in God was of such substance that he not only conceived the thought but he put it into action – in the middle of a storm! The wind and waters did not calm or cease when Peter left the boat yet he was able to find his calm in Jesus. Talk about having a gift of faith!

We all know what Peter’s faith produced during the later years of his life but to think that this audacious act occurred in the relatively early part of Peter’s walk with Christ is astounding. What’s even more amazing is that we can have faith like that too! It is possible because we all serve the same God and God does not change nor does he play favorites. What he does for one, he’ll do for all. All we need pray is, “Lord, bid me come.”

I don’t know about you beloved but I want to walk on the waters of faith. I want to know that when I pray, a thing will take place. I don’t want to doubt, hope or think it may happen. I want to know that it will!

Get out of the boat!

Image by: Seetheholyland.net

The only way for me to obtain knowledge of the impossibilities of life being made possible is through experience. What if Peter had stopped before he took the first step out of the boat? He would never have experienced the miraculous of God. Experience, enduring, requires me to face a circumstance, an obstacle or adversity. God allows or sends storms and sometimes ‘life’ simply happens and God permits adversity to come. Not because he wants us to suffer but because he knows that we learn more in the heart of trouble rather than in times of peace. I’m sure lessons learned through the trial of the stormy sea remained with the disciples long after Christ’s return to Heaven. What lesson would they have learned if the storm had not arisen and they’d crossed the waters in peace? Would there have been anything in a peaceful crossing to trigger Peter’s faith? I suspect not. After a long day of sitting and walking the disciples may have perhaps been too tired to remain awake. I imagine they would have discussed the miracle of the five thousand amongst themselves or reflected upon the miracle privately but then what? They certainly never imagined Jesus following them across the water on foot!

Jesus sent them ahead of him, knowing the storm was approaching but, he did not warn them or delay their parting. Rather he delayed his joining them. Indeed, it wasn’t until after Peter’s moment of faith and their return to the boat that the winds ceased. Still, the lesson was learned. Come hell or high-water, sun or rain, we have to take hold of our faith and get out of our comfort zones. We have to get out of the boat of complacency, the boat of fear, the boat of doubt, the boat of self-sufficiency!

Everything in the Christian walk is contingent upon our trust in God, not our belief. Beliefs can be changed.

God will never allow us to exercise faith in him without making provision for us to succeed where we would normally fail. Whether we’re facing a cyclone of a storm or a hiccup of trouble we can be assured that no trial is too difficult or too small for God to see us through. God shows himself strong during our seasons of adversity. Within them he purges our failings and proves our faith. We see him more clearly and recognize more fully what God can do and who He is when we are confounded. There is no storm that can out-big God! (Nahum 1:3)

In my walk with God I’ve faced more than my fair share of storms. Sometimes I’ve faltered and tripped head first into the water, there have been times when I not only sought safety in the boat, but I’ve found the deepest compartment, covered my head and shivered in abject fear!

For instance, I use to have a see-saw relationship with tithing. Sometimes I would give but there were more times that I wouldn’t. Why? I was afraid that I wouldn’t have enough:  enough money to meet my bills; buy groceries and gas and the other essentials in life. I wasn’t trusting God. But I’m no longer content to stay on the boat, and just like Peter, I asked the Lord to bid me come. Now I put God first concerning my finances, with particular attention to paying tithes. And you know what? He provides for my needs far beyond what my resources should be able to afford. What was once insufficient has become plenty, all because I trusted God! I learned that for me, paying tithes means more than giving ten percent. It means exercising my faith and it gives me an opportunity to walk in faithfulness – to walk on water.

No one can say they never doubted God. It is in human nature to doubt. However, instead of seeking safety in the known boundaries of our faith, we should ever seek new opportunities for our faith to grow. In fact, opportunities arise daily whether we look for them or not. It’s up to us to first seek understanding, seek God’s direction and to implement our faith. Faith is nurtured by witnessing his hand in our lives. We can never witness the miraculous unless faced with impossibilities. Our love for God, our trust in him, should not be predicated on whether or not God causes the storms in our lives to cease. Rather we should face difficulties with the assurance that we are being granted another opportunity to walk with Jesus. We have to get out of our boats beloved, ask the Master bid us come and take a step of faith; only then will we be able to walk on water.