When we arrive at the point when we regard affliction as a pleasure for the sake of Christ Jesus, and affliction becomes something sweet, then all is well with us and we have found paradise here on earth.
Sounds too good to be reality, doesn’t it? And I can confess, I’m not to the point where I can consider affliction a pleasure. But so long as suffering is something that vexes us and we seek to avoid it, then things will go ill with us, for the very affliction that we are trying to escape will follow us wherever we go.
Faith is a heart full of action, not a head full of facts. Faith that can move mountains is the faith that can move God’s heart. It is true that to make it through the wilderness, we must travel. Yet the greatest spiritual crisis comes when a person has to move a little farther on in her faith than the beliefs she has already accepted.
Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously? Or will I turn back in defeat? Faith must be tested, because it can only become an intimate possession through conflict. The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it.
And if anyone is not offended because of Me, he is blessed (Matthew 11:6).
For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start (Hebrews 3:14).
Believe in Him steadfastly and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith.
Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. Therefore we may boldly say: The Lord is my Helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5-6)
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