06/04/2024
This morning let’s study another purpose for trouble in this world. The author of my morning devotional reading put it this way, "Trouble makes the earth undesirable and creates a desire for heaven within us... It is the path of tribulation that leads to that world." Our problems really do turn us towards God for help. They do this by taking our self-assuredness away and humbling us before Him. You see, we aren't meant to be satisfied with our current world, faith, and surroundings, we should see paradise and eternity before us, and a perfection of spirit and soul just beyond where we struggle. Our opening passage from Revelation encourages us with a description of heaven...
“And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”
Revelation 7:13-14, 17 KJV
As Americans we are more than familiar with the hard journey fraught with tribulation and suffering; after all, we are a nation of immigrants who came here either seeking for or escaping from something. We came to America instilled with the hope of a better place. Either we, or our ancestors, came here seeking something wonderful, the relief from something terrible, or possibly both; but we all came here in faith and hope, and a dream..
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Our Christian journey through this life and world is much the same as our American experience. We are persecuted and pursued by tribulation and hardship, but we press on despite them, and through our faith in Christ. Motivated by trials, and hardships in the world we push on towards a new place and a perfect existence with God. We are spiritual immigrants traveling to a promised land. The difference is that Heaven is more than a land of dreams; it is a reality and a certain place of salvation, redemption, and comfort in God.
This morning when we pray, let's thank God for this journey we are on, and every trouble which strengthens our resolve to move on towards Him. Let's sing of His greatness and the place He has prepared for us. Let's take the hand of Jesus as He helps us to overcome every obstacle.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
Today there may be trouble, but we have hope, faith, and the company of our Lord Jesus who journeys with us, and the Word of God that comforts us. In this way, when we lift our hands, and close our eyes in prayer, and as our prayers are rising up before us into heaven, we will see the glory of God’s promise that awaits us there.
I pray today that your day's problems will be overcome by prayer and hope, I pray that God will see you through all hardship, and I pray that your faith in what awaits you at journey's end will be strengthened by today's events. Walk with Jesus, be encouraged, and overcome every sin and tribulation in Him... Heaven awaits, and our Father stands watching, and ready to receive us.
“And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.’”
Luke 15:20-22 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the hope and comfort we find in your Holy Word, and thank you for the redemption we receive by believing in your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for loving us as you do, and for sending Him, your Son, to live, suffer, die, and be resurrected that we might be redeemed from our sin, and given eternal life with you. Thank you merciful Father for waiting patiently for us as Jesus delivers the good news regarding your grace, and leads us to you. Help us all in our unbelief, and strengthen us in our faith. Help us Abba as we struggle in this life, and strive for righteousness. Help us so that one day we, like the prodigal son, will be worthy of your robe, your ring, and your shoes… all by your grace, and the cleansing blood of Jesus. On that day in eternity with you, as we have in every victory over the hardships of the world, we will praise you, worship you, and give you all the glory. On that never ending day there will be no more tears, only love, joy, and peace in you.
Amen!
Rich Forbes