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Life|Wed, Mar. 04 2009 02:28 PM EST

Confidence to Face Trials

By Charles Stanley|Christian Post Contributor

John 14:1-15

Few people enjoy conflict. As Christians, however, we are guaranteed trouble and persecution, particularly when we proclaim Jesus as Lord (John 16:33; 2 Tim. 3:12).

The very nature of the gospel divides people. One source of tension is the exclusivity of certain biblical claims. For example, many people find John 14:6 infuriating because Jesus stated that He was the only way to the Father. But as the same verse states, Christ is also “the truth and the life.” So while we must be kind when explaining God’s message, we need not be apologetic.

And when we face difficulty for honoring Christ, we do not need to be afraid. There are three reasons that we, as children of our heavenly Father, should have confidence to face the hardships of life. First, we know that Jesus faced trials just as we do, and He is with us in all of our adversity. Second, Scripture tells us that when we walk in step with Him, He allows only challenges that will strengthen, mature, and equip us. In that way, we can help others who deal with similar tribulations. Third, we are assured that He will provide everything we need—and with God’s help, this trial will not be more than we can handle.

Are you comfortable telling others about Jesus and explaining why you believe in Him? Spend time thinking about how to express the Savior’s involvement and significance in your life. In that way, you will be prepared to confidently share your faith. Then, pray for strength, courage, clarity . . . and opportunities.

Used with Permission

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  • cowboyfan88 »
    Thu Mar 05, 2009 8:03 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    If all you hear is sin, then you are listening to people that don't understand the gospel. The gospel is good news. That Jesus died to take away the sins of the world. If you are a Christian today and you are if you are trusting ONLY in what He did on the cross as your means of salvation; then you are free from sin. Today in the age of grace, you sin will not send you to the lake of fire, only unbelief. Your sins were paid for 2000 years ago at Cavalry. You won't hear that in most Churches today. They want your money, they want you in the pews to get you to become a member so you can get on the roll and they want you baptized to count you for the association. Your sin has been taken away. When you understand that, you can then read God's word and know that you are free from sin, you can now focus on what God did FOR you and when you realize the love it took for Jesus to do that, you do the things He wrote in His book that He wants you to know. The moment you believe you are sealed with the Holy Spirit ( a full member of the Godhead) and He helps teach you. Sin is not the problem. Jesus Christ died for sinners. He died so that you can now live for Him, not out of guilt or obligation but out of love. Do you have to force yourself to love your children? Do you have to be forced to kiss your wife or husband and give affection?

  • canadianchristian »
    Wed Mar 04, 2009 7:50 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    Mike,

    you can face hardships by knowing that GOD is always with you and will never abandon you,you can trust that what GOD is letting you go through will only strenghten you in the long run-although it does'nt feel like it at the time.When you think of what our LORD went through and suffered for us it puts our paltry hardships in perspective- this can only be seen when we surrender our will and circumstances to GOD and trust HIM to see us through our trials.Our hardships may be the result of unconfessed or continual sin in our lives and I beleive GOD will bring us down if we are HIS and we willfully ignore HIM- we are bought at a terrible price and it is with humility and reverence that we should seek GOD'S will in everything we do.True strength comes from knowing that we can't do it alone in our own strength but that we need the LORD to help carry us through everything in our lives.I hope and pray this helps you understand a little.PRAISE TO OUR LORD AND MASTER JESUS CHRIST.

  • mike »
    Wed Mar 04, 2009 6:01 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

    '...should have confidence to face the hardships of life'
    ' Scripture tells us that when we walk in step with Him, He allows only challenges that will strengthen, mature, and equip us'

    how can you face hardships when all you hear is pointed to sin or associated with sin. how can maturity & strength develop when all you hear is sin.

    how can you mature when what is taught is immaturity & childishness.

    another talking point but there are no specifics in the HOW to face hardships.

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