Archive for May, 2008
Motivation to Persevere
There are so many reasons to cling to Christ in the midst of trials. One reason I was recently reminded of is that when we trust in the Lord, whatever the circumstances, satan is defeated and Christ is glorified.
James Montgomery Boice speaks of this in his commentary on Romans when we writes,
“For when you do the right things, God is glorified and Satan is shown to be a failure. This victory is complete in itself. It does not need to be added to. Nothing can diminish it or take it away. Moreover, every victory for us like this is a promise of victories yet to come. Every act of good in this life is a victory and points to Christ’s final victory. Every quiet triumph of faith over fear and pain in the hour of death is a victory, a defeat of Satan, whose ultimate but ultimately ineffective weapon is death…It points to the final victory of the resurrection. All trust in Christ points to faith in his return, when Satan and his angels will be totally destroyed. This is the great and final victory. It is for this that we both long and wait.”
If you are feeling weary in battle remember this promise, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20
Contentment in Tragedy?
Because we live in a fallen world we will inevitably face difficult circumstances. Sometimes we may even face unimaginable tragedies. During such times contentment will look very different from the contentment we are called to in day to day life.
In the midst of hardship and deep loss contentment doesn’t say “thank you Lord for this trial” rather it says something like “Lord, I know you’re in control and that you have a plan and part of that plan involves my good.” Contentment in tragedy is rooted in ruthless trust – trust in Jesus Christ who loves us, desires our best, and who has promised to return and take us to heaven.
Psalm 9:9-10 “The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Discontent?
Sometimes in life I find myself fighting for contentment. Although I think as sinful creatures this is inevitably a place we will at times find ourselves, it’s important to remember that at the heart of discontentment is a heart that questions God. It ultimately says “Lord, I’m not happy with where you have brought me” and cries out “why?” Although the Lord desires us to talk with and bring our concerns to Him, discontentment is not a place where we should dwell. Not only are we called to joyful obedience we are also equipped with everything we need to live faithful lives that bring glory to our heavenly Father.
2 Peter 1:3-8 “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
