Patience in Tribulation

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”    – 2 Cor. 4:8-9

   

In this Holy Season of Lent we remember the suffering of Jesus, our Saviour! – A Physical, emotional, and psychological Sacrifice of His life for us.  Jesus was persecuted, no doubt perplexed and troubled on every side, but He yielded His will to the Father and became an Offering for our sin!  We can do no less as we journey through this life.  We will survive temptation for Jesus is our example.  We are strengthened as we see Jesus weep before the Father over His decision to die for us.  We will note the psychological suffering — as He sees the ones He came to bring Salvation to, mock Him as He hung on the Cross. The saints of the early Church stood strong in the face of temptation and persecution. The Disciples of the New Testament Church pressed on through the difficult times; and in the face of opposition, they shook the dust off their feet and proceeded onward. Scriptures tells us they were filled with “Joy, and the Holy Ghost.”  There is a strength in the “Joy of the Lord” and an awesome “Power” in the Holy Ghost.  It is my Prayer that as we think on the suffering of Jesus, and as we behold Him upon the Cross, we will remember ... this “Joy.”  It filled His heart as He took on our sin.  It was this “Joy” that was set before Him that strengthened Him in His most difficult hour.  He conquered death, and we are more than conquerors in Him! Loving you, Pastor, Hebrews 12:2