Just because you are a Christian...

Don't think that sometimes life won't suck!  Why?  Because that is part of the human condition.  Let's face it, there are certain lessons in life that we will only learn the hard way.  Our parents can warn us, our friends can warn us, the Bible can warn us but we still have to learn them on our own.  It's kind of like touching a cactus, you know it is sharp but you have to touch it anyway.

But there is another reason sometimes it will suck.  Sometimes God needs us to go through crappy times to further His plan in our lives.  We've all heard the sayings.  "Iron Sharpens Iron"  "No Pain, No Gain"  "Sweat is just pain leaving the body" and "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger".

Why do those sayings exist?  Because there is a certain amount of truth to the sayings.  Jesus himself told us that we would have to suffer for Him.   What I'd like to touch on today is the spirit in which we suffer for Him. 

Let's take a look at a couple of verses.

Luke 22:31-32(NKJV)

31£And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 

32But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

Romans 5:1-5(NKJV) (One of my favorite scriptures in the whole Bible)

1Therefore, having been justified by faith, £we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

2through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 

3And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 

4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

First off let's take a look at what I highlighted in Luke.

Jesus tells us that Satan has asked for Simon Peter.  Jesus says that He prayed that Simon Peter's faith wouldn't fail.  And when he (Simon Peter) comes back his experience will be part of what helps strengthen his brethren.   Notice anything missing there? 

How about "Hey I'm a child of God.  Isn't God supposed to step in and protect me from Satan?"  Apparently not always.  There are time we are going to have to face Satan.  Now here's the good news.  God has equipped us for and Jesus will be praying us through the experience!  What more do you need than that?

Now let's look at Romans.  Here is where I want to focus on the spirit with which we endure these challenges.  We are told to Glory in our tribulations.  That's right, glory in the tough times.  Why?  Because we have faith that God is in control and that there will be great growth out of our suffering.  Look at what tribulation produces: perseverance, character, hope, and hope does not disappoint because of God! 

God has a plan for each and everyone one of our lives.  Only He knows what skills and knowledge we will need to fulfill His plan for our lives.  So if you are ever going through a tough time, do it with a smile on your face in the belief that God is just using this time to help you grow.  Do it with a sense of expectation, with a sense of hope because what has God promised us?  Hope Does Not Disappoint!