Ever noticed how the trees with the strongest root systems are typically not the trees found where there's a light, or gentle breeze blowing through the summer leaves.
Oh no, the strongest trees out there in harsh weather conditions. They are those trees that are constantly facing fierce, stormy, turbulent and strong winds which cause their root systems to go and grow deeper.
They won't easily tip, crack or fall over.
The winds of adversity, believer, guess what.. they affect our spiritual roots!
Victory can be yours. Let your roots go down deep in this relationship with Christ. This is how you can make it as an overcomer. In March of 1982, Jon Coursen experienced a fierce trial. He had endured some before, but none like this.
His first bride, Terry, at the young age of 28, was taken home to Heaven. Then twelve years later, Jon’s 16-year-old daughter Jessie was also taken home to Heaven. Ouch! Then after that, he lost his dear son Peter-John as well. In a fallen world hard things happen. How can one explain it all? And of course for Jon those were times of serious mourning and grieving, but the Lord was there for him he says. God helped Jon to maintain his spiritual victory and good testimony. How? It was by the powerful living Word. It was by the enabling of the Holy Spirit.
Gettin’ through the trials is not always so easy for anyone, but God’s grace is enough for you and me. He will come through and meet all your needs, believer. He passes up a lot of opportunities to be early but the Lord is never late.
Jon is stronger today, He's got joy and peace. Everyone who knows him is amazed by the grace that took him through. Jon is a friend of God, yes, of the Person who helped him get through. (Read more on this vertical friendship.. Blog)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, keep on rejoicing, so that when His glory [filled with His radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may rejoice with great joy. If you are insulted and reviled for [bearing] the name of Christ, you are blessed [happy, with life-joy and comfort in God’s salvation regardless of your circumstances], because the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you [and indwelling you—He whom they curse, you glorify]. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or any sort of criminal [in response to persecution], or as a troublesome meddler interfering in the affairs of others; but if anyone suffers [ill-treatment] as a [a]Christian [because of his belief], he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God [because he is considered worthy to suffer] in this name. For it is the time [destined] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not respect or believe or obey the gospel of God? And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the godless and the sinner? Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with the will of God must [continue to] do right and commit their souls [for safe-keeping] to the faithful Creator." 1 Peter 4:12-19 amp
 |
| Photo by Dorothy Lin |
In This Barren, Lonely And Harsh World, Be A Real Friend Of The Best Of Friends. It Can Happen Today! Come As You Are. You'll Never Regret It.
