I think you Ought To Know

This passage should be an example and a testimony from Christian to Christian about how Jesus/God still raises the dead. How He still gives new life, how He still causes the lion's mouth to shut, how He still causes the fiery furnace not to consume us. How great is His Faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies we receive. ALL that we need He has and will provide.

There are times when we go through difficult experiences, either purposed by God or because of our disobedience and sins of commission or omission. Either way, if we surrender the difficult situation to God He will save us!

Paul writes of how they went through horrible, horrible times. They were persecuted, beat, almost killed and actually wanted to die. Now this is often difficult for Christians to admit. It's sometimes hard to admit that things aren't going well in our lives. Its hard to admit that our lives aren't perfect. Its hard to admit that we have trials with family, friends, spouses, finances, church, work, battles with illness, and addictions. Its hard to admit actual and perceived feelings of failure. We suffer in silence from the guilt and consequences of "closet sins"and that sometimes we have had thoughts of giving up or thoughts of death.

Has anyone EVER asked why were they left here only to be tormented? Or ever felt that things would never get better, so they might as well be dead. Or ever asked "is life really worth living?". This is hard to admit, especially to other Christians. But Paul didn't hold those types of thoughts, experiences, trials and tests back from the other believers. Why? Because He knew there was a Testimony coming. He also wanted to encourage them so that they knew that when they faced trials of of any kind, that they could pray and take refuge in God because He is the same God who saved and gave new life to others who had died, He is the same God who saved Paul several times from death and the same God who would save them in their times of trouble or spiritual death. We must pray and pray without ceasing. We must rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulation and pray at all times! God is still Deliverer. He is still Savior.

Created 9 months ago