20/12/2018 - SUFFERING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL

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Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19

We know how the Lord treats us, and He does it with much love. If He allows us to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, it is because He loves us and prepares us for the future. No one who has suffered any attack for the sake of the Kingdom of God will fail to be greatly rewarded on that Day. If you are paying what you consider to be the price of the salvation of the lost, do it with joy, without any murmuring.

In eternity, we will know how much our salvation cost. Beginning with the struggle Jesus went through at the cross, when He took upon Himself our iniquities, transgressions, pains and infirmities, and the chastisement that brings us peace (Isaiah 53:5). The Savior did not complain and, with determination, descended to Hell and took from the devil the authority that he had taken from Adam and used to whip us with. When He ascended up on high, Christ led captivity captive forever (Ephesians 4: 8).

Whoever suffers according to the Father’s purpose must entrust his soul to Him. Never let the slightest thought of rebellion enter into your soul, when seeing how much you have been despised and in some cases suffered for the sake of the Gospel. Strengthen yourself in the Lord and in the strength of His power, so that you will not despair if you have to pay any price to maintain your faith in Christ (Ephesians 6: 10,11). The most important thing is to win the Lord and not the world.

God is our faithful Creator and all that exist is came from Him. Even the devil, before he sinned, when he was an angel of light, was created by Him and for Him. However, in conceiving an evil plan to be equal to the Most High, this being descended to the lowest position and became Satan, the enemy. Now, we do not have to overcome the devil or his demons, because the Savior has done it for us. Therefore, rejoice over everything that happens to you.

Even if the trial is too big, don´t corrupt yourself. The Lord will reward you if you remain faithful and steadfast in your calling. In Paul’s day, Governor Felix sent for him to see if he would give him some money in order to be released (Acts 24:25, 26). If Paul gave him money, he would be freed from the Roman prison, but if he did, he would be guilty of eternal prison. In which jail is it better to be in?

If we have to go through some tribulation, we will have to give our soul to the Lord and do that which is good. After being anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, Jesus walked everywhere doing good (Acts 10:38). Since God is with us, we must also act in the same way, regardless of the circumstances. The Creator is faithful and will not deny Himself. Therefore, in times of peace or war, do good to all.

It does not matter if we suffer or enjoy refreshment and peace; the important thing is to fulfill the mission we were given. If you know what the Lord wants from you, do not stop fulfilling it for one single moment. Understand: if one person is deprived of divine grace because of you, the cost will be high.

In Christ with love

R. R. Soares