Read Matthew 13:5-6, 20-21
Thank You God For Trials And Tribulations, And Persecution!
In Jesus’s parable, in verse 5 and 6, he tells about how seeds fell upon Rocky places where they didn’t have much soil and immediately sprang up. But when the sun rose, the seeds were scorched because they had no root system to draw in water and nutrients. As a result the seeds withered away.
In verse 20 and 21, Jesus explained that the seed that fell on Rocky places is like the person who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet they have no root system so (1) they aren’t connected to Christ through his word and (2) they have this false idea that Christianity is supposed to always be trouble-free with no persecution, and no trials and tribulations, so that when it does come, they immediately quit the faith.
Therefore I can’t express enough how important it is to be grounded in Christ.
1. Be grounded in his word. Have a hunger and thirst for it so to help you stay strong. In Ephesians 6:10-18, we’re instructed to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Then we are told to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand up against every battle against the devil and his lies/schemes.
2. Get connected to a church fellowship for encouragement and so others can be encouraged in their faith walk (Hebrews 10:24-25).
3. Surround yourself with positive Christian influence because you become like those you hang out with (I Corinthians 15:33).
Also, recognize we will face trials and tribulations, and persecution. It’s a part of life that God uses to test our faith, to use for growth in our faith walk, and to conform us more and more into the image of Christ. Jesus said in John 16:29-33 that he was from God his Father. The disciples declared how they believed Jesus came from God. Jesus asked them a question: “Do you now believe? A time is coming when you will leave me. I have told you these things so that you may have PEACE. In this world you will have TROUBLES, but take heart! I have OVERCOME the world!”
Jesus wants us to realize that life isn’t always going to be a bed of roses, but he promises his PEACE during these hard times. He wants us to have peace. Peace is a choice: I want God’s peace or I want to wallow in the lies of the devil that says there is no hope and there is no God. Please take heart for Jesus OVERCAME the devil and we can walk in VICTORY and with PEACE knowing God is going to open a way in his time.
