(Romans 5:1-5)
Layoffs, foreclosures, growing debt, and decreasing finances are in the forefront of our society like never before. Stress, pressure, sadness, depression, anger, fear, and despair are all arresting the hearts and minds of many believers. What do we do? How can one handle the tribulations in this day and still rejoice in the Lord? Many are crying out to God for deliverance while others seek a way out in their own strength. It is quite common for us as humans to ask for deliverance "out" of a situation. Nevertheless, as children of the Most High God, He is able to teach and deliver us "IN" the situation. Yes, we can even rejoice during our most difficult trials and tests.
Romans 5 begins by reminding us that since we are justified by faith we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Inspite of all that we are going through, whether it is financial, spiritual, or emotional, we can give God praise for peace and relationship with Him. In times like these we must return to the joy of our salvation, the true object of our worship. Because of our faith we are legally declared righteous and through Christ " have access...into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God". We are still covered and kept by God's grace no matter what is happening. God's grace is our blanket in the ark of His safety. Remember we STAND AND REJOICE in hope!!! Regardless of the situation, by the power of God's grace you can stand, not bow down to your problems. You can rejoice and not allow sadness and depression to overtake you. Now here's the shouting part, verse 3 declares, "And not only so, but we glory IN tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope". It's IN the situation that our faith is nurtured. It's IN the sitatuation that we learn to offer up the sacrifice of praise. It's IN the situation where our testimony is birthed. Remember, Jesus said in John 16:33, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Our tests and trials are not a surprise to God. He gave us His word, His promise that He would never leave nor forsake us. He has already proclaimed our victory through Christ Jesus! I remember a passage from a song that says, "if I never had a problem, I wouldn't know God could solve it!" Ahh yes, there it is, our problems are our experiences! Because of those past experiences we now have hope in seeing the glory of the Lord revealed through these current experiences! Others may not understand your reason for hoping and believing God while all hell is breaking loose in your life. They might even call you foolish. Verse 5 declares "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us". In other words, You will not look foolish for trusting in God. He is faithful to do as He promised. He is faithful to deliver and restore. You can cling to His promises because He loves us and the Holy Ghost reminds us of that love. God wants to dress us with a new attitude IN the middle of our storms. He wants to give us a new song IN the midst of our tears. Our Father is triumphant and because of our relationship with Him, SO ARE WE!!!
Brothers and sisters don't give up. Continue to press on. Look at you, still getting up and going to work, or applying for jobs. The bank might have taken your home, but it ultimately belongs to God who has the power to give you another home! It may seem like things are going from bad to worse, but God still gives you life and another opportunity to go forward. You may not know it, but everyday that you arise you're letting the enemy know that he won't win! You are not alone. Our circumstances may not be the same,but we serve the same God who is able to strengthen us IN our storm. My pastor once said, "Your worst day with Jesus is better than your best day without Him!" You are not counted out because of your problems. You are not an outcast. Don't go another day with your head down. REJOICE! You are in the "IN" crowd!
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1 comment:
Lord God....this is beautiful....
My faith, patience, hope, suffering, etc. have ALL been tested beyond my understanding. However, I just won't give up. I can't. I feel Christ in my spirit...in my soul...I KNOW he is there. Absolutely no credit to me...I've done nothing but what God requires--faith. It's the basis of what we live by....
People stop to talk to me, asking me questions or striking up "conversation", awaiting my response. In my heart, I know their presumption is that I am "foolish" as well :). I may be lead to speak on a particular topic, but before that conversation culminates, it's obvious who receives the victory in my circumstance. Thank you so much for increasing my faith even further with this passage.
I'm ecstatic to be in the "IN" crowd!!
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