1 PETER 4:1
“THEREFORE, SINCE CHRIST SUFFERED IN HIS BODY, ARM YOURSELVES ALSO WITH THE SAME ATTITUDE, BECAUSE WHOEVER SUFFERS IN THE BODY IS DONE WITH SIN”.
The world has succeeded in planting in the hearts of Christians a “me- centred culture”, a brand of comfortable Christianity that is becoming a hindrance to so many genuine believers in the Christian faith. The kind of faith that produces early dawn Christians; Christians who blossom in the morning, and wither in the afternoon when the sun rises. Christians who disappear in the midst of adversity, obstacles, trials, heat and persecution once they leave the four corners of the church and their protective environments.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of various kinds; because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance”. (James 1:2-3)
How do you cultivate spiritual stamina and endurance? It is only when your faith is tested. In order for you to truly flourish, you must face, rather than avoid spiritual challenges. Your Christian maturity is measured in the midst of adversity, hardships, trials and tribulations. Instead of allowing trials and challenges to turn us away from the Lord, they should rather teach us to run to the Lord. Everybody wants to hear a soft, affirming message. A message of hope, optimism, success and assurance. That’s what Christianity is all about; giving hope to the hopeless.
Jesus said…”The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free”.( Luke 4:18)
But the word of God also challenges Christians to respond to tests, trials and suffering. “Christianity is not only butter my bread and sugar my koko”. Joy in suffering is not a mask we wear, but a resilient hope we choose to find in Christ no matter the circumstances. We focus our eyes on Christ, not our circumstances, when we do that, we will find that He is strengthening us to face our everyday battles.
Once you are rooted in Christ, it doesn’t matter where you are planted, the mountain before you or the valley ahead, you will surmount it.
(To be cont)
Stay blessed always and remember to love someone and mean it.
#sociallysignificant #Lukebarson #Libertybreakfast
Rev. Prophet Luke Luki Barson is the Senior Pastor at Liberty House Christian Centre at Tema Community 25.
He has studied at the University of Ghana, the Methodist University College and the Christian Service University College.
He is currently a PhD student at the University of South Africa.
Source: BestNewsGH.com
