LOOKING AT CERTAIN SUFFERING FROM GOD'S PERSPECTIVE

Staff Note:  The following quotes below are taken from David Wilkerson's August 2008 Newsletter. Taking into account it was David Wilkerson who wrote it, in my opinion that carries a TON of weight. (Norm Rasmussen, Director)

I want to offer a special word to all who have come through floods and fiery furnaces of affliction, and who are facing ever-increasing trials. I believe it is possible your time of testing may have nothing to do with chastening. Rather, it is this:

Something eternal, something having to do with your life in the new world to come, is at the center of your trial. The battle you're enduring now is not about this world, not about the flesh, not about the devil. Rather, the warfare you're facing is preparatory for your eternal service in glory. You are being prepared for service on the other side.

Think about it: The very day you committed your life to trust God, no matter the cost, He knew your present trial would come. He knew then, and He knows now that you would love Him through everything that comes at you. By grace you are determined to be an overcomer.

I'm convinced that right now everything you're facing points to the New Jerusalem. The apostle John writes about that time to come:

'There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him' (Revelation 22:3).

'There shall be no night there, and they shall reign for ever and ever' (22:5). '(He) has made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth' (5:10).

All of this speaks of activity. It suggests God is preparing us now for what He wants to entrust to us in the new world. Simply put, He has plans for us beyond our comprehension.

In a recent time of great testing, I asked the Lord: 'If there are lessons I need to know from this present trial, please teach me.'

The Spirit spoke clearly to my heart: 'Your present affliction has nothing to do with chastening. It has nothing to do with this world at all. Your intense, long-lasting trial has to do with eternity. I am preparing you for your service and ministry in My kingdom.'

Staff Note:  A couple of scriptures come to mind that support what Pastor David is addressing in his Newsletter: 

"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." -- Matt. 5:11-12

But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. -- 1 Peter 3:14

Hopefully this writing has broadened your comprehension of the necessity for God to birth character in our lives, which suffering accomplishes this better than any other means God has to birth character in us.

Here is a link to several excellent writings on the topic of suffering as a Christian:  CAN YOU REALLY BE TRUSTED GOD? 

Dear Reader - are you at peace with God? If not, you can be. Do you know what awaits you when you die? You can have the assurance from God that heaven will be your home, if you would like to be certain. You can even have that assurance RIGHT NOW! Either Jesus Christ died for your sins, or He didn't (He did!). Are you prepared to stand before God on the Judgment Day and tell Him that you didn't need the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross to have your sins forgiven and get in right-standing with God? We plead with you...please don't make such a tragic mistake. 

To get to know God, to be at peace with God, to have your sins forgiven, to make certain heaven will be your home for eternity, to make certain that you are in right-standing with God right now ... please click here to help you understand the importance of being reconciled to God. What you do about being reconciled to God will determine where you will spend eternity, precious one. Your decision to be reconciled to God is the most important decision you'll ever make in this life, because in Christ, it is impossible to put a value on the worth of your soul in light of eternity.

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Remember:  All that we do in this life comes back to our God-given purpose which is to serve and glorify God. The money and assets we accumulate, the fame and power we've attained or seek to attain - all of the things of this nature will one day pass away, but those lives of others we impact for Jesus Christ will last for eternity, and we will be rewarded for the part we helped play by impacting those lives ... for eternity. (Matthew 6:19-20 is our assurance)