Growing in Tribulation

In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.
St. John of the Cross (1542-1591, Spanish Christian mystic and poet)

John 16:32-33
"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NASU

Take Courage. What does that statement mean to you in these hard spiritual times that we live in? It means to be courageous and brave, to believe in the impossible and to accomplish the unbelievable. Now when in your life is it hardest to be brave? It is when you are being pressed down and the weight of the world seems to be crushing the very life out of you.

Many times that is when we run away, but really that is the time God calls out for us to draw near to Him. That means that we must not run to all of our usual shelters that we have ran to in the past. It is time seek the shelter of God’s wings, but it is hard for us to pass by our old secure hiding places when the bullets are flying. But didn’t He tell us peace was only found “in” Him?

It is in those times that we get to know God better, why? It is because He catches us in His arm, protects us and reassures us. He whispers one more time in our ear, and reminds us that He has overcome the world. Nothing we will face is bigger than Him, yet sometimes we pass Him by to seek the shelter and help of the world…God forgive us, you just wanted to spend some time with us, and show us who you are…God Bless.

Pastor William