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Monday, November
24, 2008
Patient In Tribulation
Romans 12:12-14 Rejoicing in hope;
patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (13) Distributing to the
necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (14) Bless them which persecute
you: bless, and curse not. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for
‘tribulation’:
2347
thlipsis (thlip'-sis); from 2346; pressure (literally or
figuratively): KJV-- afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution,
tribulation, trouble.
How do you handle tough situations, and
what is your mindset when going through them? Well, for many their first
response is find the easy button, a quick escape so they can get on with
what they were doing before the situation manifested. Actually, the first
response for those in the flesh is the quick and easy way out whether it is
right or not; many just want out, period. For those that are operating in
the Spirit, we are encouraged to be patient, even in these times of trial
and tribulation, because our way of escape can only come from the Lord, and
it is vital we wait on Him until it manifests. As we see in the above
verses, despite the hardship and even anguish we may be going through it is
vital to continue business as usual Spiritually despite the persecutions.
James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy
when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of
your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work,
that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (KJV)
Keep in mind also, that even though you
are enduring these trials it’s not always because you have done something
wrong, but quite the contrary, it is because you are on the right path and
the enemy would like to see you removed from your good standing in it. We
as humans instinctively look for the quickest way of escape; but again,
according to the scriptures it is a time for us to be patient and let this
patience have its perfect work. The Lord is never late, although according
to the flesh sometimes He seems that way, but the fact is that the Lord has
a perfect timing for us. Keep in mind the Lord is not on a deadline, which
looking at that word is just that, a deadline, like holding a rope attached
to an anchor.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 To every thing there
is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (2) A time to be
born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which
is planted; (3) A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down,
and a time to build up; (4) A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to
mourn, and a time to dance; (KJV)
Keep in mind also, that these tough times
or seasons won’t last; however, those who stay grounded in the truth and hold
fast letting patience have its perfect work, will. Yes it is enjoyable to
partake of the spiritual blessings we have been blessed with in Christ, but
with the progress also comes the opposition. So, do know that the closer
you get to the Lord the more of a threat you become to the enemy, exposing
him for the liar that he truly is? The question is not, when it is going to
happen (because for all those that are in Christ they will suffer
persecution), but rather the question is ‘will you be patient through these
times of trial and come out victorious at the end’?
2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be
instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine. (3) For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to
themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV)
As we just read, to every thing there is
a season; and despite the trials and tribulations we may be enduring we
need to continue in the work the Lord is asking of us. So whether you are
in a season of mourning, or laughter (joy would be another way of putting
it), we need to continue to deliver the message of faith despite the
hardships. Similar to the U.S mail service, nor rain, snow, sleet, or hail
will keep them from delivering the mail; or in our case a message of truth.
Isaiah 50:4 The Lord GOD hath given me
the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season
to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear
to hear as the learned. (KJV)
You may not like to always get up early,
the spirit is willing, but it may be a time for you to hear the Lord and
have a word for those that may be enduring a tough season of trials. Isn’t
it interesting how the Lord uses the term wakens the ear, Spiritually
getting our ears open early so that the enemy doesn’t get a foothold?
Greater love has no man than to lay down their life for the brethren; and
the reason the Lord is getting you up early is so that you can have a word
for those that have been wearied through times of trial and tribulation.
Proverbs 15:23-24 A man hath joy by the
answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (24)
The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.
(KJV)
What goes around comes around. So, that
same word you spoke to someone in their time of need will be the same one
that the Lord will send your way also in your time of trial. Let patience
have its perfect work, and be patient in tribulation as well.
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