EXPERIENCING TROUBLE Devotion #6 of 6

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)

ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE

Our study would not be complete without a reminder of the time when trouble shall come to an abrupt halt. Job, with very limited revelation, considered departure from this world the answer to trouble. Speaking of death he said, "There the wicked cease from raging, And there the weary are at rest" (Job 3:17). Ah, patriarch Job, how much Christ has brought to light on this subject. Our blessed Savior has "abolished death, and brought light and immortality to light through the Gospel" (2 Tim 2:10).

No More Opposition!

We are promised that nothing that defiles will ever enter the glorified realm (Rev. 21:27). The "old Serpent," together with the "beast" (earthly government), and the "false prophet" (false religion), will be cast into the "lake of fire" (Rev. 20:9-15). Outside of our our flesh, this unholy triad is the source of all the opposition we experience. In the glory there will be no spiritual opposition, personal opposition, or organized opposition. We will no longer contend with personal weakness, the assaults of the devil, the grief of unjust laws, or the burden of lifeless religion. Hallelujah! Additionally, we shall be clothed with immortality, having been delivered from "the body of this death" (1 Cor. 15:53-54; Rom. 8:34). The Lord Jesus shall "change our vile body, that it might be fashioned like unto His glorious body." If it all seems too good to be true, "He is able to subdue all things to Himself" (Phil 3:20). No wars to fight in that glorified body! No resistance to face! No need to "buffet our bodies" and bring them into subjection (1 Cor 9:27). No more weakness--of any sort. No more inadequacy in any form. The Spirit informs us we have been recreated in Christ Jesus for these resurrection bodies. That is, we have been regenerated so our spirits will be compatible with a glorified body (2 Cor 5:1-5).

No More Defense!

Think of the staggering amount of time we spend in a defensive posture, striving to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:10ff). Resisting the devil, abstaining from the very appearance of evil, and wrestling against principalities and powers requires incessant effort. But no such exertion will be expended when we are "ever with the Lord!" We will be at liberty to indulge ourselves more fully in the joy of the Lord, and the pleasures that are at His right hand forevermore--to say nothing of the new labors we will enter.

Trouble Is Only for Now

Until then, however, we must contend with trouble. The only question is how much trouble will come our way. Rest assured that, in Christ, you are equal to every test and circumstance that comes your way. For those who suppose there is no trouble, or who choose to pretend it does not exist, gird up the loins of your mind and consider the nature of your salvation. You are being prepared for a reign with Christ (2 Tim 2:12). Instead of being judged by the world, we will judge the world (1 Cor 6:1-2). What a blessed change the righteous anticipate! Your preparation requires trouble. That is one of the expeirences that provokes a longing for full deliverance. May you anticipate the day when trouble will be no more. Then, we shall enter into rest, never again to be troubled. Until then, there are rivers to forge and battles to be fought! There are fiery trials to experience, and burning deserts to cross. Even in the difficulties and vissitudes of life, however, you will not experience the trouble alone. You can shout in the face of circumstance, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb 13:6).

Trouble Is Your Employee

For those who are experiencing unusual "trouble" right now, the hand of omnipotence is with you! Remember, the best is yet to come. "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us" (Rom 8:17). What is coming is greater in both magnitude and quantity than your temporary sufferings and trouble. Our troubles are actually our employees, working for us. They are accruing for us a measure of glory that transcends your fondest imagination. If that seems to be strange language, consider this is precisely what the Spirit says in 2 Corinthians 5:17. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." That is the language of faith, and by God's grace, it can be found in your heart and in your mouth.

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