Trials and Tribulations: Do Not Be Afraid of Suffering for Christ

One of the greatest temptations out of hell is that we can live without trials and tribulations.  If Jesus calls His saints to suffering, He will also provide us a greater portion of Himself through them.  There is no sweeter fellowship than to bring our troubles to Jesus.  A heavy heart is always welcome with Him.  We are not to fear when troubles comes wringing our hands in despair.  If He calls us to walk on hot coals He will most assuredly place the softest pillow under our heads.  The heaviest end of our cross is placed upon our strong Savior’s shoulders.  Jesus received many blows and strokes though innocent and above reproach, why then should we think that we will be carried to heaven on a bed of down?  The question is, do we glorify Him through these trials and tribulations?  Do we make much of Him though our hardships?  This speaks volumes to an unbelieving world as it is so unearthly in its nature.  

Trials also have a way of strengthening our faith as it so often grows stronger with a storm in its face.  We owe much to the winds of adversity even though we often balk and complain when we are walking in the midst of them.  We can be sure that God’s mighty hand has eternal purposes in them all.  His greatest desire is to conform us into the image of His Son and trials and tribulations are often His tool of choice.  Do not be a faint and feeble soldier in the Lord’s army.  Ease yourself and lay all your heavy loads by faith on Christ and He will bear you up in due time.  “Come to me” says He.