OUR PLACE IN DANGERS, HARDSHIPS, AND SUFFERING"

                 OUR PLACE IN DANGERS, HARDSHIPS, AND SUFFERING

"Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as Holy; He is the one you are to fear; He is the one you are to dread." Isaiah 8:12-13

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25-26

THE COMMON CONCERN

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS?

- WE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS

-WE ARE EXPECTED TO PATIENTLY ENDURE TEMPTATION IN OUR SITUATION

To endure while facing trials under fearful and dangerous situations

THE BEAUTY OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

 - DISREGARDING OR MISSING THE WARNINGS

 - FAITHFUL IN THAT WHICH IS LEAST

  - WE ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT IN SUFFERING FOR OUR OWN GOOD

THE COMMON CONCERN

  Both Christians and non-Christians alike expect the possibility or likelihood of disasters and other fears that life can bring. Whatever the source, whether from nature or tyranny, the Bible admonishes us concerning such things. If we are privileged to escape either of these in a generation, we are more fortunate than many. But most assuredly, as the Scriptures declare, we are not to fear nor dread any. We are only to fear God, who is in control of all.  "And fear them not which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell." Matthew 10:28"

       I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer(allow) your foot to be moved; He that keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He that keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your Keeper, the Lord is your Shade upon your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil: He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121

 Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only safe place to be at all times ("My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father Which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are One." John 10:27-30)

 Does that mean we will never see harm? ABSOLUTELY NOT, but it does mean that He will provide all the grace we need for every situation, and in every situation. As we abide in Christ, we shall always come forth victorious, no matter the outcome! ("But He knows the way that I take: when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10). Let's look at this a little further.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS?

 - WE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS, which includes whatever that requires. "And He said to them all, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it." Luke 9:23-24. Obviously, the circumstances will vary from person to person, situation to situation, calling to calling (referring to our place in the Body of Christ, 1 Corinthians 12). Although there will always be that which is common to all, there are also variations depending on circumstances and calling. We must be careful not to envy or be critical or resentful of the callings others have been entrusted with. Peter, after learning about his own fate (which was to be harsh), in a seemingly resentful manner, questioned Jesus regarding John's fate. What was Jesus' answer?  "...If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." John 21:18-22. Each of us has been called to glorify God with the life He has given us, and we will be called to give an account for what we did with the talents we have received (Matthew 25:14-30).  If you notice, in the judgments of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, the best commendations went to the ones who suffered hardship and persecution. So what do we do? We thank and praise God for His rich blessings and goodness in our lives; we rejoice for His blessing in the lives of others, and earnestly pray for those who are undergoing hardships and suffering ("Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." Romans 12:15). We are all members of His Body. 

 Let me expand on this a little more specifically. What a businessman or politician is challenged by will differ from that of a construction worker or mechanic. The demands on a mother and housewife will be different from those of someone who works in the entertainment industry. What a police officer will have to endure will be different than that of a farmer. What a student will come up against will be different from what an elderly person has to bear. What a Christian living in a Christian society faces will be different from what a Christian faces in a non-Christian society, especially if facing oppression or persecution. Those who live in times of war and disasters will differ from those in times of peace and safety. For each person, it will be according to the demands of the faith and the endurance required by their cross in their situation. However, all that we need to overcome is provided by the Grace of God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes  the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5

- WE ARE EXPECTED TO PATIENTLY ENDURE TEMPTATION OF OUR SITUATION

"Blessed is the man that endures temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to them that love Him." James 1:12. All the adversity in life, no matter what type it may be, even the blessings of abundance, comfort, and ease, will pose a challenge and temptation to our faith. What we do in and with every situation, and the choices we make, will determine the outcome we have. As you doubtless know, temptations can be relentless and press us beyond our strength. That is why Jesus encouraged us to pray, "...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..." Matthew 6:13. I would like to point out a misconception regarding abundance, prosperity, and ease. We can fall into envy, bitterness, or resentment when we compare ourselves to what appears to be the comfortable lives of others. Let's look at a few scriptures:

 "And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said, 'Blessed are you poor: for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh." Luke 6:20-21

 "Then Jesus said unto His disciples, 'Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.' When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'                                          But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" Matthew 19:23-26 

 "Let the brother of low degree rejoice that he is exalted: but the rich in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away...Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he has promised th them that love Him?" James 1:9-10, 2:5 

 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 1 Timothy 6:8. 

"Let your conversation(behaviour/character) be without covetousness, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, 'I will never leave or forsake you.' So that we may boldly say, 'The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.'" Hebrews 13:5-6

  Dear friends, if you are wealthy by this world's standards, you are saved by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the same way everyone else is. The cross you will have to bear before Christ will be according to His demands, no one else's. Just trust Him, and He will lead and guide you. Abraham, the father of our faith, was very wealthy, and God called him His friend ("...Abraham My friend." Isaiah 41:8). As with everyone else, who do you serve? To everyone else, God has burdened some to be rich for His Glory. They need your prayers.

  The temptations that I first want to stress at this point are not necessarily those from within us, like lust and greed, which we must constantly take to the Cross of Christ in repentance, but rather the circumstances that press us from without that are out of our control. Temptations to compromise our faith because of health or financial hardship and poverty, social, cultural, economic, or legal and political demands that can weigh heavily on an individual and family, some of which come with persecution and dangerous threats. God has given us promises that we must hold on to by faith with all our hearts: "The rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity." Psalm 125:3.  This does not mean there will not be suffering, but that He will keep us in His grace unto salvation through it all, no matter the natural outcome. This is not an easy thing for anyone, and without Him we cannot, but we are assured that, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. So by faith and patience we endure.

 The second type of temptations I will just touch on because they are not the focus of this study. They are those which surface from the passions within us. These we must never let our guard down on because they abide in us and rise up from the tendencies of our flesh. Through faith in Christ Jesus, the power of our sinful nature is broken and cannot master us as long as we do not give in to them; however, if we allow our activities, or the impact of our world around us, to awaken or stir these up, we will find ourselves fighting them all over again. This does not only include vices like lusts, alcohol, and drugs, but also bitterness, envy, pride, unforgiveness, hate, and so on. All these are dangerous and pose a serious threat to a believer if we do not seek refuge in Christ and repent of any agreement with them. Sometimes as Christians, we try to run and hide from worldly temptations by separating ourselves from the 'world', or by trying to control our environment and even the people around us. But such actions can amplify other problems just as serious, or worse! Because these temptations are weaknesses from within us, trying to change our outside environment will not make them go away.  Instead, we keep our heart and focus on Jesus and keeping His Word, "Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11. There are so many provisions God has made available for us regarding these. Keep Jesus as Lord of your life, and He will guide and help you. All we need is in Him!

"Therefore has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able, but with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.

- To endure while facing trials under fearful and dangerous situations, our only hope and trust is in the Lord, Who can do exceedingly above and beyond our expectations. But our resolve must be the same as the three Hebrews before being sent into the fiery furnace, and like them, He will see us through. "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer you in this matter. If it be so, our God Whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But if not, be it known unto you, O King, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.'" Daniel 3:16-18. Their resolve not to compromise was regardless of the outcome of their situation. If we are unfirm in our resolve to stay faithful to Jesus, expect the back door of compromise to be too tempting to resist. And by the way, while under pressure, especially extreme pressure, it is doubtful that we will have the time or the clarity of mind to make a rational decision. Self-preservation will be our dominant impulse. Jesus, as a vulnerable man, sealed His resolve in the garden of Gethsemane: "And He was withdrawn about a stone's cast, and kneeled down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.' ("And He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Your will be done." Matthew 26:42)... And there appeared an angel unto Him from Heaven (God provides the support we need), strengthening Him. And being in agony He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." Luke 22:41-44. This is the pivital point of the battle that Jesus faced before the cross, (don't forget, He was also fully human, and He "...was in all points ttempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15), even though the patient endurance of the brutal suffering and relentless temptations of His crucifixion were still ahead ("...save Yourself. If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." Matthew 27:40. Do you not think that was tempting considering His suffering?). You will notice that from this point in the garden, there was no hesitation, doubt, or second thought with Jesus. His resolve was set. From then on, Jesus Christ, the Son of God,"... through the Eternal Spirit, offered Himself without spot to God..." Hebrews 9:14 (actually, this reflects His entire life). As for us, Jesus has provided for us the same power of grace for all our situations. When we fix our resolve to follow Jesus by taking up our cross, He, by His Holy Spirit, carries us through. We cannot brag. The power and glory are His, but we get to rejoice in the victory. How wonderful is that! That is how we step ahead by faith. That is how we endure.

THE BEAUTY OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept Your Word......It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes." Psalm 119:67,71

 "O bless our God, you people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: Who holds our soul in life and suffers not our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have proved us, You have tried us, as silver is tried. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction upon our loins. You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but You brought us into a wealthy place." Psalm 66: 8-12

  There may be times that certain dreaded occasions are needed to bring about in us something that we could not achieve any other way. These situations and suffering that produce that kind of fruit can only be orchestrated by God. Perhaps we are lacking in some area of personal discipline, character development, an attitude that needs adjusting, or we are indecisive in our commitment to Jesus. Perhaps we need a boost in our faith and confidence in the Lord. Years ago I heard a testimony about a Christian who was wishy-washy about his commitment to the Lord until he fell into the hands of some serious persecution. In the outcome, he said, "Now I love Jesus more than ever." Obviously, he never broke faith with Jesus but rather came to a place of uncompromised faith.                                                  Perhaps we are not taking the Lord and following Him as seriously as we should, or are neglecting obedience in an area; you can be sure it will come up again somehow because our Loving Heavenly Father is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14), and He won't take second place. Nor does He want our double-mindedness to take us out. We must realize that the event may not necessarily be something prepared by Him so much as something the Lord foresaw resulting from our bad decision, and He allowed. He saw it coming and most assuredly tried to warn us. Instead, through His masterful craftsmanship and grace, it became a tool to discipline, refine, and heal us. How we respond to said event will determine whether it will be our victory or our regret. Such a situation happened to me. He is on our side. Trust Him, be thankful, and be pliable in His hands. "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

DISREGARDING OR MISSING THE WARNINGS

 "And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known, even you, at least in this day, the things which belong unto you peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. For the day shall come upon you, that your enemies shall cast a trench about you, and compass you round, and keep you on every side, and shall lay you even with the ground, and your children within you; and they shall not leave you one stone upon another, because you knew not the day of your visitation." Luke 19:41-44

  Presumption, pride, and arrogance are deadly enemies of our salvation, and you can be sure they will run interference in hearing from the Lord. In the light of pending danger, this is not a trifle matter. God will not cater to pride and arrogance. He may try our hearts by sending warning messages that we need, but through people and means that we might despise or disregard because we may not esteem them as qualified. These warnings will get through to those whose hearts are truly open to Him. Jesus was such an example. He did not conform to their expectation of the Messiah, and they used the Scriptures to justify their stand. Even Pilate saw through the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. This is a dangerous state of mind and heart. This being said, please take the nudges of the Holy Spirit, the rebukes of others, the instructions of the Bible, and even secular authorities seriously Romans 13:1-7. Never be overconfident in yourself, your righteousness, or assumed status. If our hearts are tender to the Lord, and we are attempting to walk in humility and His fear, the Holy Spirit will confirm it to us some way or other. These warnings may seem incorrect, petty, unrealistic, or irrelevant to the conditions at the time, but they may rescue us from something more serious down the road. If we do not take these little considerations and cautions seriously now, or despise the input of those whom we consider unqualified, do we think we will be more receptive when something more serious springs up? King Ahab fell in the battle against the king of Syria because he refused to heed the warning from the Lord through Micaiah the prophet, whom he detested. 1 Kings 22.  King Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart like none other (2 Kings 23:25), ignored the warning of Necho, king of Egypt, who warned him by the mouth of God to not oppose him. Josiah, though unprovoked, went out to fight against King Necho and was killed in the battle.  2 Chronicles 35:20-24. There is a popular saying, 'Consider the Source.' Often that is valid, but be careful; the source may be right sometimes.

 - FAITHFUL IN THAT WHICH IS LEAST

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much" Luke 16:10,71

 Questionable behavior, attitudes, and tolerance to small moral compromises produce weaknesses in the foundation of our faith. In safety training, workers are prepared for unforeseen situations that can occur on a work site which could endanger themselves and/or others. In the training, they are provided with the proper tools and reactions to best suit the danger. You don't want to be in a compromised and dangerous situation with a partner who did not take their training seriously. In life, especially through the admonitions of the Bible, ("Now all these things happened unto them for examples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Therefore, let him that thinks he stand take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:11-12) if we lightly regard the training and disciplines of the Lord in the everyday affairs of life, we are building a poor foundation of faith for the storms of life ahead, "And every one that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall belikened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:26-27. Let us not lightly self-police what we may consider "the little things, the little issues, the little compromises." As Jesus said, how we perform in them is how we will perform in the big things. It is a poor time to try and retrace our steps when entrusted with the big things. Life is not a game. We can enjoy it to the full, but remember every little compromise will grow, and payday is coming.

 WE ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT IN SUFFERING FOR OUR OWN GOOD

"Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things He suffered." Hebrews 5:8

  In all forms of suffering, our struggle is to remain faithful by keeping to the ways of our Lord, and by His GRACE we shall. Job, when brutally afflicted by his disasters and suffering, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." Job 1:22. For an added short exhortation regarding certain forms of suffering, they are necessary for our character training and development. The disciplines of correction, by not allowing us to get or have our own way, and being corrected when we are wrong, are essential for us to learn the will and ways of the Father, Who is Lord of all. ("He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel." Psalm 103:7). Job himself benefited greatly, and through it, the Lord rescued him from his adamant self-righteousness, which, if left unchecked, could have led him to a disastrous end. Through such training and correction, we can be partakers of God's holiness and bear the fruit of righteousness while being conformed into the image of His Son. Hebrews 12:8-11, Romans 8:29. The goal of our training is that while we are enduring hardship, temptation, or suffering, we remain patient in faithful obedience. "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 you be wearied in your minds. You have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And have you forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, 'My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:2-6.

  Dangers, hardships, and suffering have a place in the life of a believer. Our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is the ark of our salvation through it all. He loves us so much!