wed the 2nd

Hebrews 10:33-34

 

³³Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. ³⁴You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

 

You are a child of the most high God! You are the sibling of Jesus Christ! Created in their image to show the world what the Love and light of Jesus Christ looks like in action.  As much as we do not like it, that task can be very trying sometimes. As Paul is reminding us here, there will be persecution, there will be times where you, your loved ones, your friends will be picked apart and there will be no rhyme or reason to it. Take heart; these times, as unpleasant as they can be, are nothing more than opportunities, opportunities to show the world that adversity is just a season, and like any other season it will be met with the faith that comes with knowing what lies in store for you. You see, we know that this life is not a journey to an end, but a journey to a beginning. It is a journey that will end with God wiping away each tear, and we will cry no longer. Let the world judge, let them hold you up, and knock you down, it is of little consequence for a child of God. The wrongs we are done here on earth will be repaid double with joy when we join God. DO not succumb to the ways of this world, do not jump on the bandwagon of persecution, and judgment. There will be a time for judging, and there is but one that will be our judge and jury. When that time comes let us stand proudly at the throne, knowing that while we have endured many hardships, we have dealt few in return; that even though many judged you harshly, you have held your judgment for the one who will judge all. Life is messy, it is hard, and sometimes the season of pain and persecution can seem to last a lifetime, but know, this too shall pass. God works for the good in the lives of those who love him….. not sometimes, not most of the time, but all of the time. The painful times, while they are not enjoyable, are useful. Utilize them to grow your faith, turn the pain over to the Lord, He wants it, he asks for it, and he paid a very high price for the chance to carry that pain for you. Yes, judgment, pain and persecution will come, but let your faith burn bright for you know that the source of this worldly judgment carries no weight, you have far better and lasting possessions in store for you from the one whose judgment does!

 

God Bless,

Brian