01302021 Trials End

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the Eternal God. God lives forever, giving Him control of everything within man's history and existence. Thankfully, many other things in life are temporary.

Lesson #23. Whether in this life or the next, there is an end of all suffering. Of course, this is true only for Christians, in terms of the next life; the unsaved have no such hope.

Experience tells us that most incidents of suffering are temporary. A hurricane runs out of steam; a thunderstorm dissipates; the harsh winter gives way to spring. A broken leg heals; an illness subsides; a global pandemic eventually resolves. A struggling marriage achieves a breakthrough; a wandering child returns; a church conflict is pacified. These and many other personal examples illustrate the Bible's truth that "after that ye have suffered a while," (I Peter 5:10) God will intervene. The trials are "for a season" (I Peter 1:6). The affliction is "but for a moment" (II Corinthians 4:17).

Most of the time, it is just a matter of enduring. "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Hebrews 10:36). Biblical examples, many found in Hebrews 11, also show this truth. Noah got off the ark. Abraham eventually had a son. Joseph finally was released from prison. Moses led Israel out of slavery. Israel's subservience gave way to deliverance under each new judge. In time Saul's pursuit of David ended.

But what of others? "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword" (Hebrews 11:35-37). Sometimes the only way a trial will ever end is in death.

That's where Job's words come in. "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come" (14:14). As long as Job remained on the earth, he would wait for deliverance, but he did not know if the change would come in life or after life. He did know and confidently affirmed that it would definitely come after life. "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall  stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another" (19:25-27).

Yes, even if a trial persists until it takes our life, it will then have its power broken. God will make all things right. When we enter heaven, all suffering will cease. In one moment, we will forget all the plagues of our earthly existence. Eternity with our Redeemer will be perfect, freed from the struggles and burdens of life. If not before, then at that day, we will lay our burdens down.

Someday life's journey will be o'er,

And I shall reach that distant shore.

I'll sing while ent'ring Heaven's door,

"Jesus led me all the way."

 

Jesus led me all the way,

Led me step by step each day;

I will tell the saints and angels

As I lay my burdens down,

"Jesus led me all the way." (John W. Peterson)

Be patient. Endure. Wait for God's deliverance. May you see instances of it this week, and may God give you the strength and patience to wait for what will take longer.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA