All Christians want to be more like Jesus, grow in their faith, and be blessed by God. Most ask God to bless them and make them more like Jesus. But I’m not sure Christians understand what they are asking for. Think with me…
BECAUSE Jesus told people the truth they didn’t believe Him. Thus consider truth from Scripture: Without being holy, no person will see God (Holiness is required in order to be saved and the ONLY path to holiness is suffering. This is true. There’s no way around it. Now…
According to Scripture, there is ONE way Christians grow in holiness… suffering. It will happen. God causes it because it is His will as the ONLY way Christians become more like Jesus. “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake…” (Philippians 1:29). Consider Romans 8:16-17…
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.
There is no crown without first a cross. And Christians don’t have a choice about it! Romans 8:29 clearly sets forth that God does not leave being conformed to Christ to chance… He proactively predestines it. For proof… consider how Paul described this concept in 2 Cor 12:7-9.
So, if you are a Christian… do not be surprise or confused by the difficulties in your life… YOU asked God to bless you! It is God at work to: 1) Conform you to Christ, 2) Make you holy, 3) Increase your eternal rewards!
Hope: “He (Jesus) will NEVER leave nor forsake you!” (Heb 13:5).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” (Pr 3:5).
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not allow you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry” (1 Cor 10:13-14). ”
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy” (Jude 1:24). Also go back and read Romans 8:16-17 above or click here.