STUMBLING OVER FALSE ASSUMPTION

 STUMBLING OVER FALSE ASSUMPTION

  John 16:33 [Jesus explained] In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.

  Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  If we always do as God directs through His Word and by God’s Holy Spirit we are free from evil assaults and suffering, correct? No

  Jesus followed perfectly, and repeatedly suffered evil assaults.

  Where do people get such a false assumption? Wishful thinking, wicked or muddle minded sentimental teachers; sprung forth from the evil one with his tempting “You’ll be better off if you do ______.”

  Think not for one minute that Satan presented this lie one time only. (Gen.3:5) It is an orchestrated theme song, background music for this world, with the prince of the power of the air as maestro. (Job 1:7; Eph.2:2)

  A sad thing in my life has been observing obedient disciples suffering and discouraged because “This isn’t supposed to happen!”

  Consider Job. Satan singled him out, challenged God. God allowed Satan’s assault restricting him from only one thing. (Job 2:6)

  God’s only begotten Son, Jesus, never ever sinned. (Heb.4:15) But O’ how greatly He suffered.

  With joy I consider Job’s example as overcomer maintaining his integrity in the faces of adversity. (Job 1:22; 2:3, 9; 27:5)

  With greatest rejoicing I consider Jesus’ example as The Great Overcomer. (Mt.4:1; Jn.16:33; Heb.4:15)

  The Apostle Paul suffered terribly in doing the right thing as he faithfully served the Lord. (2Cor.11:23-28) God says in His Word “… all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2Tim.3:12)

  Consider the explanation in Romans 8:14-18 (GW), “Certainly, all who are guided by God's Spirit are God's children. You haven't received the spirit of slaves that leads you into fear again. Instead, you have received the spirit of God's adopted children by which we call out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. If we are his children, we are also God's heirs. If we share in Christ's suffering in order to share his glory, we are heirs together with him. I consider our present sufferings insignificant compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us.”

  Does this mean we are to seek suffering? Of course not.

  Does it mean not suffering is the exception for God’s children? It does. (Comparing the USA to past history and current circumstance in China et al, I consider ours to date as the exception, but for Christian that which is changing.)

  Christian thinking he/she should not, will not suffer is assumption to stumble over. God knows. He does not abandon His children in the midst of travail. We are assured that as He brought the Lord Jesus back to life, He shall also bring us back to life through Jesus. Do not be discouraged. Thankfully we are renewed day by day.  Suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. We must not be distracted by the suffering in this brief life but should focus on the eternal life to come. (2Cor.4:9-18)

  May you be edified, comforted and encouraged by these words. 

EBB4