Kingdom Moments - April 21, 2010
James 1:2-4, Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. NLT
One of the hardest principles for Christians to grasp is suffering for the sake of Christ while maintaining joy during the trial. Paul tells us that if we don't suffer with Christ, we won't reign with Him either. James teaches us the results and benefits of suffering for the sake of the gospel. Our ability to endure, or be patient in a fiery trial will grow and become fully developed. According to Romans 5, this is how we develop godly character... so that we become strong spiritually, and won't fall prey to temptation. Instead, we will be able to resist things that once we were in bondage to. Faith in God and His Word gives us power over the world, but there comes a time in a believer's walk when our character has to be developed. Then we will be strong in the Lord, and walk in the power of His might. This should cause joy to come to your heart... even if you're in the furnace at this moment. Christians aren't the only people on earth that suffer. All people in all walks of life suffer for various reasons. Peter breaks this down in his epistle to the church. He explains that if we suffer for doing wrong then it's our fault, but if we suffer for the sake of Christ, then this is commendable before God. If we sow to the flesh, according to Galatians, we'll reap corruption. Faith in God transforms patience during suffering into character... which empowers us to face anything life throws at us, and not turn to sin. Remember the words of Satan when he incited God against Job; if you touch all that he has, Job will curse you. The adversary believes that we will turn on God... and our faith in Him, if we are faced with suffering and loss. Jesus teaches us where our focus should be when facing the crucifixition of the flesh nature.
Hebrews 12:2-3, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. KJV
Having a vision while in the fiery furnaces of life will preserve you in your afflictions. The joy of the Lord is our strength. So if we choose to suffer for Christ's sake, then we know that our faith pleases the heavenly Father. Therefore, our faith gives us supernatural strength to endure, knowing that God will deliver us and then He will exalt us over our enemies. Spiritual joy isn't an emotion, but is a fruit of the Spirit. Fruit isn't moved by circumstances or swayed by our emotions, but is developed in our hearts through faith in Christ. Once joy becomes a fruit in our hearts, then we will have His strength to endure all things.
Be encouraged today, and know that the Lord is on your side.
In His service,
Pastor Asa
To view today's broadcast of Keys to Kingdom Living by Pastor Asa Dockery, click here
Originally published April 01, 2010.
