TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED

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Many mistakenly view Christianity to be the place you go to make your life easy and blessed, and, in part, this is true. Jesus said, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Mt 11:30 This is not the whole of the story though! The most significant changes in life tend to come through the greatest trials and struggles! This is the nature of life. You've heard it said: "no pain, no gain.” Even though Jesus was the Son of God, he also had to be made perfect through suffering. Heb 5:8-9 Son though he was, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Without a doubt, everything that will be great will go through struggle and trial!

Acts 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The word "witnesses," in this scripture, is the Greek word martys, which means martyr, record or witness. The power of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life causes fear to be destroyed and releases the power to be a witness no matter what the cost!

The apostle Peter, who was reportedly crucified upside down, understood suffering and wrote this profound Scripture.

1 Pet 2:20-21 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called,because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

In this scripture, the Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, says that we are called to suffering. Is this so that we can prove our righteousness? NO! The truth is, this is the only place you can learn the profoundness of resting in God’s love, faithfulness and provision. As we grow in the revelation that God loves us, we will know beyond a shadow of a doubt, like Jesus, Peter and Paul, that everything is going to be all right! Apostle Paul said, "All those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Tim 3:12

God will never allow you to go through something unless it is ultimately for your good! Romans 8:28 Those who are in love with God, live their lives to fulfill the purpose for which God created them! God is looking for those, through whom he can move mightily! Sacrifice will always be a way of life for those who achieve greatness! Are you willing to go the whole way with God even if it means suffering? Fulfilling the destiny for which you were created requires it, and according to what we learned today through the word of God,

TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED

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Arthur Wilder