“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Jesus told His disciples (then and now) that in this world, they would have tribulation. And because Jesus said it, it has happened and it will continue to occur until He returns.
Tribulation is defined as , 'a state of great trouble or suffering.' It is important to understand who Jesus is and the power of His words. Not only is He the Messiah and Saviour of the world but "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:15-17). You see, the fact that Jesus said we will have tribulation means that without a shadow of doubt, you and I will experience tribulation. Counter-intuitive, right? Not the sort of stuff that prosperity preachers propagate!.
Apostle Paul, embracing the idea went on to say that we should glory in tribulations. Wow. How on earth is that possible? He even said that it is through many tribulations that we will enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). In fact Apostle Paul told the Corinthian brethren that "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This is amazing! God comforts us in our tribulation. In other words, He is right there with us when we experience tribulation and His joy will be our strength in the Name of Jesus. Hallelujah!
The pain barrier is defined as 'the state of greatest pain, especially during physical exertion, beyond which the pain diminishes.'. Athletes and sports men and women wanting to excel must go through that barrier. Marathon runners go through the pain barrier. They don't like it, would not deliberately go for it but they embrace it because it is absolutely necessary for success in athletics.
My dear brethren, no one in their right mind would go to God praying a prayer like, 'O God, please bless me with tribulation today. I need an overflow of tribulation so that I can fly like an eagle' However, in our Christian walks and races we must come to terms with the simple fact that we will encounter not only tribulations but trials, temptations, tests and suffering. In the process we will have to sacrifice and serve wholeheartedly so that God will be glorified. The flesh is opposed to the truth and many are deceived to think that the Christian race is a roller coaster on a smooth and broad way. Just because there are multitudes on the broad way does not mean it is the right way. God makes us aware of the fact that it is the narrow and difficult path, as opposed to the deceptively easy and broad path, that leads to abundant and eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14). Choose life today, stay on course, engage in the battle in the power of the Holy Spirit, fixing your eyes on Jesus and although you may be bruised, you will emerge victorious in the mighty Name of Jesus.
It has been a journey writing on these seven words and I pray that God Almighty will encourage, strengthen and comfort you as you run the difficult Christian race in the Name of Jesus.
Have a marvellously blessed day.
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