Listening to some of the Prophets of this time, makes one wonder if there is hope at all. There is so much gloom and tales of woe in these prophecies that make you wonder if we are not in the tribulation period spoken of in the Bible. Even though the world is not yet in the tribulation period spoken about in the Scriptures, the days are nevertheless dark. Many Christians all over the world are being persecuted for their faith. In our neck of the woods, many are killed and kidnapped because of their faith.
In some instances, many may not see physical confrontations, but there are passive aggressions toward many professing Christians. Many have been denied promotions, positions and access due to them. All these happenings are enough to dampen the faith of many. Many's faith has waxed cold because of the myriad of problems as a result of their belief in Christ.
The Lord God knew this time will come and is encouraging us not to falter in our faith. If anything, this is the time for our faith to increase and our love for one another to increase as well: "We feel a personal responsibility to continually be thanking God for you, our spiritual family, every time we pray. And we have every reason to do so because your faith is growing marvellously beyond measure. The unselfish love each of you shares for one another is increasing and overflowing! We point to you as an example of unwavering faith for all the churches of God. We boast about how you continue to demonstrate unflinching endurance through all the persecutions and painful trials you are experiencing" (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, TPT).
Going through persecution as a Christian is not strange but it is expected. These persecutions are the fires that sharpen our faith and make us worthy of His Kingdom. Many of us that bemoan this have forgotten that: "For all who choose to live godly as worshipers of Jesus, the Anointed One, will also experience persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12, TPT). As you live a life worthy of God, you prove that the judgment of God on the wicked is just! This means, that none has an excuse to live a wicked life as many claim today. Someone once said, in this world today, it is hard to live a life that would please God. This is a lie from the pit of hell. Everything we need to live a life worthy of God had been given to us. It is only left to us to access it and walk as He wants us to. Noah, Joseph, Ruth, Daniel, Paul and many others did it and they succeeded. "All of this proves that God’s judgment is always perfect and is intended to make you worthy of inheriting the kingdom of God, which is why you are going through these troubles" (2 Thessalonians 1:5, TPT).
Beloved, they hated Jesus Christ, they must hate you too. If they don't, then something is not right with what or who you profess! When our faith falters, you stop God from carrying out the judgment He has promised to mete out on those that persecute you. As you continue to grow in faith, and love towards your neighbour, you are unconsciously heaping coals of fire on the heads of those that persecute you and blaspheme the name of the Lord: "It is right and just for God to trouble your troublers and give rest to the troubled, both to you and us, at the unveiling of the Lord Jesus from heaven with His messengers of power" (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 TPT).
Beloved, be encouraged and continue to grow in your faith, understanding that He that called you to a life in Him is faithful to His Word and will bring all that He had promised you to come to pass in its due time: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favour], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you" (1 Peter 5:10 AMPC). May the Lord grant you the grace to understand what He has in store for you and to remain in His love as we await His return, in Jesus Christ name, Amen! God bless you.
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