Hard Times
Are you ever tempted when you are going through hard times to think that you are being punished? Well, you probably are! But not by God. The whole human race has an enemy that the Bible calls the god of this world.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. – 2Co 4:4 KJV
Hard times come to destroy!
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly. – Jhn 10:10 KJV
Jesus says of Himself, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly!” Hallelujah!
Spirit, Soul, and Body
We also have flesh or a body that we are told in Romans 12:1 to present as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is our reasonable service? Some might say, “How? I don’t even know how to do that!”
Before the Hard Times Come
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. – Rom 12:2 KJV
Religion is telling us that we need to focus on sin and make sure we confess every single thing we do or have done wrong. But the Bible tells us to renew our minds to what God says. The Bible tells us to focus on good and nothing but the good!
Think!
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. – Phl 4:8 KJV
Purpose in Hard Times?
God does not cause hard times! There is no good purpose in them. Regardless of the cause, they are merely distractions to overcome.
Focus!
Why should we focus and meditate on something that Jesus has eradicated??? Hard times come to get our focus off of the goodness of God and back to the cares of this world.
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. – Rom 5:21 KJV
Effective Faith
God wants our faith to be effective. And He tells us exactly how to do that.
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. – Phm 1:6 KJV
Fight the Good Fight!
I am writing this post to fight the good fight!
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. – 1Ti 6:12 KJV
Whether hard times have come from the enemy of the human race or even from our own stupid mistakes, we have an advocate!
God is for You!
What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? – Rom 8:31 KJV
Prayer
Father,
Thank you for Your Word that teaches us Your true nature and character and warns us of our true foe! Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who convicts sinners of their need for Jesus and then comforts, guides, and teaches us, Your children. We pray for a greater revelation of Your amazing love, mercy, grace, kindness, and all of Your goodness today and every day. Thank You for the wonderful examples of Your faithful servants who suffered in hard times. And how they never accused You of causing them. We can look at them in our own hard times and remember to fight the good fight of faith! Thank You, Father, that all of Your promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus. Not because of anything good that we have done. But simply because of who You are! Hallelujah! Amen!