Be Steadfast Under Trials

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Beloved,

The Supreme Court voted to legalize same-sex marriage this past week. The decision was the culmination of the moral revolution that has occurred in recent years. Although the decision may be disheartening, it was not surprising. The decision was not surprising to God and should not be surprising to us.

After being stoned and left for dead in Lystra, Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel to the city encouraging the disciples and urging them to continue in the faith, saying that, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22) As the apostles encouraged the saints of the 1^st century, I encourage you to continue in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Supreme Court decision has not changed our mission to carry the gospel to all the nations for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The challenge facing us in America is whether we are going to embrace suffering or embrace the new cultural ideology. The fiery trial is coming upon the church to test us. We should not be surprised, but we should rejoice in Christ sufferings. It is a privilege not only to believe in Jesus, but to suffer for him. Will we stand the test?  Will we stand for Christ?

God is working in the midst of the moral decay of our country. We may not like the decision of Supreme Court, but we now have the opportunity to reveal our allegiance to King Jesus. God will use this court ruling to purify the church and glorify his name. God is never surprised by the world’s rejection of him or his people. He not only is not surprised, but has promised it. No teacher is greater than his master.

The church will be tested. We will be asked to capitulate to the world. We will be asked to go with the cultural flow. We will be asked to deny God’s Word. We will be asked, but we must never deviate from our allegiance to the Lord Jesus. Our kingdom is not of this world and our kingdom cannot be shaken.  “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)