|
|
Disciples of Jesus have trials and difficulties... but so does the world.
The big difference is the nature of the trials (sometimes) and the final
outcome (always).
Some trials and difficulties are common to everyone - they're just a part of life,
so we shouldn't be surprised when they occur. Others are caused by sinful
lifestyles and conduct - and a person who is constantly following Jesus
will tend to not experience such problems. (Even non-Christians
will have fewer trials, if they pay attention to the Bible's advice for
daily living - such as found in the book of Proverbs!) Yet there will be
times when a follower of Jesus will experience more trials
and difficulties than the people around him, simply because he is now a
follower of Jesus. Why? Because people who are opposed to Jesus will oppose his
followers, too (John 15:18-19).
The biggest difference between the disciple's trials and the world's trials
is the outcome. We, the disciples, have a guarantee that God will use
them to accomplish good (whether now or in eternity) - Romans 8:28. The world has no such guarantee,
for unless they turn to Jesus, no good thing awaits them at the Day of
Justice.
Trials, Hardship,
Difficulties, Persecution & More |
Admit it... trials happen! But God shows us how to
respond, and he gives us plenty of good reasons for enduring them. |
HTML / PDF |
A Few Thoughts about God's Purpose, and Difficult Circumstances |
This is how I view this issue, based on my own
experiences. The article is based on a letter I once wrote to someone
else who was experiencing trials.
|
HTML / PDF |
James 1:2-4:
Joy in the Midst of Trials |
It's not that we enjoy pain and suffering!
Instead, it is because we know God's promises about how he will use
those trials to accomplish good in our lives. We rejoice in what God is
doing - and that gives us the hope and joy we have. |
HTML / PDF |
Job 17:9: The Righteous WILL Grow
Stronger... |
Job, in the midst of his
trials, made this claim. Though evil and injustice surround us, God's
people will remain steadfast in God, because he gives them the strength
to do so. [Note: Psalm 73 shows us that we may have genuine struggles
with these issues. But we will not be totally overcome by them.] This
study is primarily a large list of questions for self-evaluation. |
HTML / PDF |
"Change Me!" |
When trials occur, what is your goal? To get God
to change your circumstances... or to get him to change you? |
HTML / PDF |
Deaths of the Early Christian Leaders (from "Fox's
Book of Martyrs") |
What value is there in learning about the
persecution and deaths of Christians of the past? It's somewhat like reading
about the people of faith in Hebrews 11: It's a matter of encouragement. God
gave them the strength to remain faithful, all the way to the "finish line."
He can also give us the strength we need. [There are many accounts of
modern-day Christian martyrs. I recommend that people to read about
their lives. But since those books/publications are not public domain, I
can't copy them to My Journal.] |
HTML / PDF |
"Are You Normal?"
(article about peer pressure) |
This article focuses on peer pressure and the fake
"super people" that are often promoted by the media. The
world (which may include family, neighbors and even those we would
call "friends") often tries to get us to be something we
aren't - and can never be. As followers of Jesus, we do not
have to live such a life of pretension! |
HTML / PDF |
Grandma's Story |
When God begins to work in someone's life, the good
that he accomplishes can affect future generations. This story
describes events in Grandma's life before
God began accomplishing good in her family. A few comments about what
happened after this are added at the end. |
HTML / PDF |
|
See Also: |
|
This study shows us how to respond to trials and difficulties. |
Jesus says...
Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33b)
|
|