We’re in Trouble

All the bytes up to now tie in with one another. It may therefore be necessary to refer back to recent ones.

The prophets of old, Jesus and the Apostles were regularly in trouble and so should we be, because Jesus promised it. "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 (John 16:33)."

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Persecution is covered to an extent in my mentioned book, but I’ve learned a few things lately as well. We have a choice between sinning or idol worship on one hand and persecution on the other. If we worship idols or live in sin the devil is happy with us and won’t bother, but if we tamper with his plans by doing God’s bidding, i.e. live a godly life, he’ll try to discourage or stop us through persecution either from people or circumstances (see book).

The devil’s principle reason for existing is to oppose God and he’ll do anything is his power to prevent people to obey God. So what happens then? If we are not adequately prepared and properly trained in handling the spiritual realm, we maybe start being godly, bravely doing God’s will, but immediately the devil retaliates with persecution. We get the scare of our lives and withdraw. The devil then offers condolence in sin or idol worship. The latter aren’t necessarily heavy sins, but if we disobey the Lord by being apathetic or unconcerned we sin and if we are self-centred we worship an idol – ourselves.

If the devil managed this he’s happy because we’re unproductive again. So what are we to do then? The key is in Jesus’ words “in me you may have peace” and “but take heart! I have overcome the world” in John 16:33 above. It boils down to faith. If we know that what we’re doing for the Kingdom is the Lord’s will for us, we’ll rest assured that the Lord will carry us through and protect us and we’ll therefore persevere. “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10, 12).”

When therefore, as a result of obedience to the Lord, our world becomes somewhat hot, we can either withdraw into the temporary comfort of sin and idol worship, or we can persevere in suffering and obtain eternal comfort and rewards. The latter is extremely difficult if we sit on the fence between Mammon and God (Matthew 6:24), for Mammon constantly fires his alternative solutions to us (see book).

So what now? The most productive Christians have denied materialism; simply because there is not really time for both if you’re earnest about God.

Father God, please show me what it is that prevents me to go all the way for you!