PERSEVERANCE WORKS EXPERIENCE

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope (Rom 5:1-4, KJV). " . . . and perseverance, proven character . . . " (NASB). " . . . perseverance, character . . . " (NIV). "And steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope" (ASV).

Devotion 15 of 24

THOUGHTS ON CALAMITY

By "calamity," I mean tragedy, disaster, or catastrophe. This is a time when circumstance, and life itself, seem to be against the individual. It is when Abel is killed by his own brother (Gen 4:8), David has to hide from Saul (1 Sam 21:10), and John the Baptist is beheaded (Mk 6:27). It is when the Apostles are beaten for preaching (Acts 5:40), Stephen is stoned (Acts 5:58-59, and believers in Christ are scattered by persecution (Acts 8:1-4). It is when the apostle Paul is beaten with 39 strips five times, with rods three times, three times suffered shipwreck, and spends a day and a night adrift at sea (2 Cor 11:24-27).

Calamity does not confirm God's displeasure or abandonment. Those who imagine such things betray their abysmal ignorance of God. I realize it is fashionable to be very tolerant of those poor souls who get "angry with God" because things are not going their way. Their purported anger may be "honest" (although I question that is the case), but it is also foolish, and jeopardous as well. Those who affirm God can handle your anger do not speak the truth. To such benighted individuals God would speak as He did to Jonah of old: "Is it right for you to be angry?" (Jonah 4:4). The question is not whether or not being angry with God is wrong, BUT IF IT IS RIGHT--and who is the fool who will say it is?

Such have chosen to ignore the declaration of the Lord. They have thought of the present, and glossed over the future. They have ascribed too much value to life in the flesh, and too little to life in the Spirit. Such have failed the test of the Refiner's fire!

Mark it well, the Lord does not willingly afflict the righteous. In their affliction He is fitting them for glory. How succinctly Paul states the case. "We ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith IN THE MIDST OF ALL YOUR PERSECUTIONS AND AFFLICTIONS WHICH YOU ENDURE. This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering" (2 Thess 1:4-5, NASB).

When calamity, hardship, and affliction come your way, view them with the proper mind-set--particularly when it is for righteousness sake. Consider it a "plain indication" of the righteous judgment of God. Do not imagine He is dissociated from the hardship. Consider that He, through your difficulty, is making you worthy of His Kingdom. Ponder that your present and future participation in the Kingdom of God is WHY you are suffering. That is a matter of revelation!

PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, I thank You for revealing why life comes with hardships, difficulties, and suffering. I also praise Your name that all of these things are under Your management.

-- Tomorrow: THE PRINCIPLE --