Peace Through the Trial – Part 2

Michael continues that two weeks ago, the oncologist said to that Pastor’s wife, "We could give you Chemotherapy that would extend your life, but your cancer is "incurable." After they prayed, God answered her prayer, "I've got this." We need to get to the point that we say, "your will not my will, your mission and not mine." Our lives are for His honor and glory, not ours. He has called us into the body of Christ so that we can build up one another ... to edify, exhort and comfort; to encourage one another, to will and to do of His good pleasure.  We all need the encouragement of our band of brothers and sisters within the body of Christ. Our life is not our own ... Our life is hid with Christ in God. Our joy and rejoicing is in Him as we praise and glorify Him with one another in the household of faith.

The devil's job is to put one little negative barb of a comment into our minds to "burst our bubble of happiness." It's easy to envision the "worst case scenario." Death is the worst case scenario. The Pastor said to his wife, "If you die, you'll be home with God and will never miss me.... but I'll grieve for you every day.” Everyone fears cancer. It can end your life. However, cancer cannot do anything to us that God will not allow. Safety is allowing God to work things according to the good pleasure of his will. According to Oswald Chambers, no evil can come into the place where you are one with God. “In the world you will have tribulation.” Jesus said, "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." If there is no strain then there is no strength to overcome. When we spend ourselves spiritually God will give more strength. When we're crushed with trial and tribulation, then His strength is made perfect in our weakness. There is glory to God in the fellowship of our suffering.  

To look at others you'll be stressed. To look at the world, you'll be distressed. To look at yourself, you'll be depressed. However, look unto Jesus and you'll always be blessed.  God has called us to the body of Christ so that we can accompany each other to another level of fellowship. For if we walk in the light as he is in the light, the blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We have been called unto the fellowship of the church of the living God. Because of the prayers of the saints, we're being carried to the place where He won't forsake us. He will never leave us or forsake us. Jesus said, "my peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.  Not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Ministry is creating an environment where God can come and help Himself to our lives. Our calling is to show that through the power of God in Christ in us, we have the ultimate victory in all things. Therefore be of good cheer. Despite trials and tribulation, Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."

May God richly bless you!

Your brother in Christ, Michael