It seems like the trials of life are many. When one is finished another begins. We jump over one obstacle and another is placed before us. 1 Peter 4:12-13 said, "12Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trail when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." The apostle Peter also said in 1 Peter 5:8-9; "8Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
In the book of Job, Job's integrity was put to the test by the devil. Satan took away all of Job's possessions. He killed his sons and daughters with a windstorm and put sores all over Job's body. In Matthew chapter 4 the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness. He showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and told him if he worshiped him he would give them all to him. It seems that Satan whispered in Peter's ear in Matt 16:22 so to try to stop Jesus from fulfilling his mission on Earth. Jesus said to Peter in Matt 16:23, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
So if you are facing hardship in your life it could be that you are being tested, to see whether or not that you turn away from God or stay with him. When you face temptation this could be another test to see if will you do the right thing? God is finding his sheep by letting the devil try to tempt us away from him. Do we love God more than ourselves? This is something we must prove to God no matter what happens to us. So if you do face hardship and run across temptation there could be someone else that is causing your troubles.
No comments:
Post a Comment