"Thou therefore endure hardness . . . if we suffer, we shall also reign with him." (2 Timothy 2:3, 12)
History reveals that times of suffering for the Christian Church have also been times of looking upward. Tribulation has always sobered God’s people and encouraged them to look for and yearn after the return of their Lord.
Our present preoccupation with the world may be a warning of bitter days to come. God will wean us from the earth some way -- the easy way if possible, the hard way if necessary. It is up to us!
It is apparent that many now think Christianity is jolly good fun -- another and higher form of entertainment; because Christ has done all the suffering. He has shed all the tears. He has carried all the crosses. So, we have but to enjoy the benefits of His heartbreak!
The “work of Christ” has been stressed until it has eclipsed the Person of Christ. We need to reexamine much of popular fundamentalist theology which emphasizes the utility of the cross, rather than the beauty of the One who died on that cross.
Merciful Father, I pray today for the silent heroes who faithfully serve Jesus throughout the 10/40 Window in the face of extreme pressure.
