We need more people like Paul who wrote, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel. (Ephesians 6:19)" Did you hear the way he phrased that? The MYSTERY of the gospel... Many things allude me about the Bible; I learn something new every single time I pick it up, but the fact that the gospel itself is a mystery is what should open our eyes. The Word needs to be delved into and proclaimed.
God's love is the only thing that can bring warmth to many longing hearts. Although nobody is accountable for another person's spiritual condition, it's crucial that God's people work toward exposing the gospel to lost individuals. Acts 28:31 states, "Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding." Confidence in The Lord is the greatest thing a man can have. It's a righteous confidence that never fails.
Do not let confidence become mistaken with pride. The Lord looks for a humble heart in His people. Romans 12:3 says, "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." This verse reminds a person to not get puffed up in what he mistakes as his own glory. For example, if you play a part in leading a person to Christ. That does not mean you did the saving - only God can handle that. Although the role we play is small, it's necessary and it's something we have to do out of love. We don't witness because we expect some kind of payment from it - we do it because we don't want their soul to go to Hell.
The Lord knows that the flesh does get in the way. Even the apostles had troubles such as this. Nobody is perfect. For this reason, The Lord sees fit to put us through trials that not only humble us, but ultimately strengthen our Christian walk of life. It makes us a better witness and gives us the strength to be bold. Romans 5:3-5 states, "(3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." As Christians, we benefit greatly from tribulation. The beautiful part about these verses is the fact that it warns us we will have difficult times, but we will always overcome through our Savior.
Trials and tribulations seem so complex and hard to understand when they happen in our lives. Prayer is certainly key in such situations. Prayer is important in every situation, but trials seem to broaden our prayer life. It brings us closer to God. 1 Peter 4:16 says, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." If we simply sit down and realize that we are in a trying time that will strengthen us, it becomes easier to praise God through the storm. He knows what's best so what right do we have to panic?
Another thing we must realize is the fact that God knows exactly what we're going through. Not only does He see what happens in our lives, but He had to endure sending His son to earth and watching Jesus suffer. He understands our burden because He's been there. Philippians 2:5-9 says, "(5) Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:" Here we see Jesus coming down to earth in the lowest form, a servant, to show His humble and loving heart. God exalted Him for never losing faith during this trying time.
As Christians, we should be modeling our life after Christ's. Christ lead a perfect life, but the Bible tells us to strive for perfection. Obviously we can't be 100% perfect because we're not God, but we have the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. 1 Peter says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." Just as Christ did, we are to humble our hearts so the Lord may find it fit to lift us up out of our trial. God wants to see our strength grow and our faith increase.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." - James 4:8
Each of us will endure many humbling experiences in life; it's our duty to cling to God and embrace what can be learned from trials. Our testimony will grow as well. This is our time to be bold for God. This means we have the opportunity to help others who may be facing trials or spreading the Word to somebody who may be lost. 1 Corinthians 3:9 states, "For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." Don't miss out on an opportunity to labor for the Lord.
Praise the Lord in the hard times. Praise Him in the easier times. He's still the Savior of your soul no matter what part of life you're experiencing. Be bold in your praise and testimony. Humble yourself before our mighty God. There's nothing more fulfilling in life than a close walk with the Lord.
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