We are few days to the end of 2020. A lot of tough things happened this year which kept people in fear and depression. I hear some people say this year was a rough year because they suffered from many difficult situations. I spoke with a friend who told me this year was one of the best years of her life. I was amazed because I watched this friend go through a lot of difficult moments this year. I inquired more why she appreciates this year so much. I found out that during the difficult times, she withdrew herself and focused on God amidst the trials. I noticed the tough times did not change much but she had grown in faith and relation with Jesus Christ and her perspective of difficulties had changed. I watch my friend going about her daily work and ministry with so much ease and I noticed that her life is flourishing more in this season when I thought the trials she goes through will break her down.
No one admires pain, difficulties, suffering or trials but in this world. Notwithstanding, we would always have such moments but our approach to our pain and trials is what determines the outcome.
We are also a few days to Christmas when we commemorate and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He came to save mankind and in John 16:33, Jesus says: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” So the difficult moments will always be there but our approach to trials will be standing firm on the solid rock- Jesus Christ, who has already overcome every trial and who will enable us go through the trials victoriously. Focus on Jesus Christ and the outcome of your difficult moments will be growth in virtuous character and hope. Romans 5:3-5 says: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
If we stand firm in God’s word, trials will just be a refining element, enabling us to becoming much more like Jesus Christ in character. Also, hope is a main component of faith. So, if we stand firm and remain in Christ amidst trials, these difficulties will help fortify our faith in God. As we stand firm in Christ, the testimonies of our faith in God through the tough times will make evident the power of God in this generation and strengthen our hope of eternal glory in Jesus Christ.
Let’s be inspired by this message from Paul, Silas, and Timothy in 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7
“We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him.”
As we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, let the hope of our salvation through Jesus Christ fill our hearts. Jesus Christ is coming again, this time as the righteous Judge of the world. Let the message of this Christmas season enable us to stand firm in faith amidst every trial, just as Jesus Christ endured suffering till the end and attained the eternal glory which we partake in if we remain in Jesus Christ. Stand firm!
God Bless You.