YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (James 1:2 ESV)

No one passes through this world without experiencing problems. Even David had to fight Goliath and then overcome many other tribulations. Do not believe that because you are a Christian you will never face obstacles in your life.

God had a Son who was sinless. He was despised, rejected, and a man of sorrows. (Isaiah 53:3 ESV) You too, will suffer insults, adversities, persecutions, and calamities in this world. (2 Corinthians 12:10 ESV) Yet, you must persevere to the end. Everyone born of God overcomes the world. (1 John 5:4-5 ESV) Rejoice and leap for joy, for your reward is great in heaven! (Luke 6:22-23 ESV) He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)

MISERIES

Charles H. Spurgeon:

Often in this present world, the most wicked men are the most prosperous, while the most holy are the most afflicted. This present world is not the place where the Judge of all usually punishes sin. He ordinarily reserves his wrath for the Day of Judgment, and the world to come. This is not the land of punishment, and your having more afflictions than others, may be because God loves you; certainly it is not because he hates you.

Some of God’s people are chastened every morning, and vexed every evening and the Lord’s hand lies heavy on them. Yet there is God’s goodness in that heavy hand, and infinite loving kindness in their tribulations. God only gives the wicked prosperity as we give husks to swine– he gives them this world’s transient things because he loves them not. I beg you then, do not misconstrue your sufferings of body and mind– they may be tokens of mercy; they certainly are not indicators of any special wrath.

TRIBULATION!

Charles H. Spurgeon:

We cannot show our courage unless we have difficulties and troubles. A man cannot become a veteran soldier if he never goes to battle. No man can get his sea legs if he lives always on land. Rejoice, therefore, in your tribulations, because they give you opportunities of exhibiting a believing confidence and, thereby, glorifying the name of the Most High. But take heed that you have faith, true faith in God—do not become a puppet of impressions— much less a slave of the judgments of others. To have David’s faith, you must be as David. No man may take up a confidence of his own making— it must be a real work of the Spirit and growth of Grace within—grasping with living tendrils the promise of the living God. (1892, Sermon #2237)