Focused!

Focused!

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: 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. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 KJV

The Context and Charge:

Part of the Christian experience is a walk of faith. All that Jesus offers is received by faith from first to last. There are things that are promised that do not immediately manifest; in fact, some of them only manifest in full either at death or rapture. This is why no one can work with God by reason of physical strength, human wisdom or influence; there are things that will happen on this walk of faith that you will need divine help with. One of such things is the experience of tribulations. Why must they happen to those who have already surrendered their lives to Christ? What purpose do they serve?

God seems to be saying here that the true value of my life is seen in the tough times He brings my way. It seems that God is unable to full commit mighty things into a life He has not tested and proven to be dependable. God's gifts and treasures are too valuable to be wasted; He knows that the devil as the accuser will strive to do what he does best: accuse, blame, steal, kill and destroy. God prepares me for all that is ahead; I can face whatever comes. Like the Great Physician that He is, he knows the right materials required for my growth and development, so I can turn out right. 

The Contention and Conclusion:

I am asked to rejoice in the face of these tough times, and this can only be possible when I know very clearly what lies at the end of the experiences. How do I keep focus on the end goal if I do not know the value of the journey? Look at the path that has been laid down for the tribulations ahead: they first work patience in me. It does not end there, as patience always has fruit at the end. Patience works when you know the certainty of what you are expecting. That is why hope lies at the end of the sentence about tribulations. Pity the man who has nothing to look forward to or to anchor his faith on.

By virtue of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, we have hope. This hope cannot be understood by the world, because the one who holds the world's systems cannot provide or guarantee it. God in us keeps us sane, even when the world around us is falling to pieces. Hope in God can never lead to shame, because He is the One who can make good ALL He has promised. I hold on to God; He cannot fail, fall or falter. His presence makes the pressure worthwhile. Receive God into your life; no one has ever regretted truly surrendering, submitting and serving God. You won't. God's time of favour is here.