Dear Friends,
Unfortunately, when we “signed up for this” by becoming a believer in Jesus and making Him Lord of our lives we got the whole rose bush, not just the flowers. You see it’s like the old 80’s rock song by Poison says, “Every Rose Has Its Thorns.”
So it is with this adventure we call walking with Christ. Jesus, himself, promised us that we will have troubles in this world. Yet in the same verse He also encourages us by saying that in Him we will have peace and that He has overcome the world!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
I know that many of you at this moment find yourself in the midst of the storm. The wind, rain and waves have you wondering, “Are we going to make it through this?” You feel as if your ship is about to capsize and you are going to lose everything.
Yet, has he not also promised –
[13] No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
[17] The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
[18] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [19] The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Psalms 34:17-19
8] The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
That being said, if we endure and persevere trusting in Him in the storm and trials we know he has promised the roses in the midst of the thorns.
[3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
[4] In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, [6] being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6
It is with these thoughts in mind that I was reminded of one other scripture, and why I share the 2 message in song that are linked below. I pray that you put them on repeat and let their message penetrate your heart and the reminder of how good He is permeates your thoughts and you capture the revelation that He is with you even in the fire.
[16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16
I hope this message and songs minister to you as they have me.
Humbly in His service,
Gary
Sure Been Good (Tiffany Hudson) – Elevation Worship
Still Holy (feat. Ryan Oféi & Naomi Raine) | TRIBL | Maverick City Music
