1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ

I have had people lament to me, “Pastor, So if God is all-knowing why did I go through all those troubles? What did I do wrong? I fasted and prayed but nothing happened. Why?”   And I have heard some also jump to quick conclusions, that whenever the believer suffers, it’s because he/she lacks faith or did something wrong. But that’s not always true.

Where was God when the apostles were persecuted and crucified? Where was He when some of the father’s of our faith were fed to lions for amusement? Did Jesus lack faith when he was arrested and beaten? When Peter and John and later Paul and the other apostles were arrested and beaten and imprisoned, was it because they had sinned? A THOUSAND TIMES ‘NO’. I have had encounters with people who have suffered terrible things – and it wasn’t because they lacked faith, or have sinned.

1 Peter 4:16 says, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Beloved, though it is difficult, yet count it all Joy when you go through diverse trials for His name’s sake; FOR GREAT IS YOUR CROWN OF LIFE AT THE END. Know that, There Is Glory At The End. Let this comfort your heart. Amen!

               GRACEFUL MORNING