The Trial Of Our Faith

There is little doubt that those who profess themselves to be true, "born-again believers"in the LORD JESUS Christ are finding that they are being bombarded by what the bible calls, 'manifold trials or temptations'!In many countries throughout the world there is severe persecution upon Christians! It is especially harsh in the middle-east countries, as many know! These persecutions are part of the life of a genuine 'believer in Christ's! The normal, everyday afflictions that are just facts of human life have to also be factored into the equation! It is, however, a tragic fact that the Christian religion (though it really isn't about a religion) is suffering far more persecution in the entire world than any other to date! That isn't new! The reality is that this persecution has gone on since the days of Jesus, over two thousand years ago, and it does not show signs of slowing down any! In fact, it seems to be escalating! Many mid-east Christians lose their life or are imprisoned for their faith! That was commonplace during the time of the apostles of Jesus! It's the same today. No difference at all, except, maybe, that it is much worse now! I might be guilty of speaking out-of-turn there but I think you get my point! In 1st Peter 1:7-9, we see that Peter was speaking to those who were "new" Christians throughout the area around Greece and trying to encourage them during their many trials (manifold temptations vs.6) and trying to teach them that the "the end of your faith, even your salvation" was what awaits them when this life is over! We must, as true believers, be willing to lay down our own life, in full, at the feet of Jesus and be his servants! Servants are not slaves! If we do this 'willingly' he has promised to give us great reward and the power of his 'Holy Spirit' to guide us during these hard times! The question is...are we willing to do just that? To lay everything we own and everything we are (our very soul's) are the feet of the LORD in order to gain the "life more abundant" which he has promised to give us during our time on the earth. The best part of that deal, I believe, belongs to us as we get to have 'eternal life's and spend it with Jesus and those we love who were saved! Man, what a deal! Are you willing to, if I may borrow a line from a friend, "put all your money on Jesus", and give up everything here in reverential trust? Or are you afraid of losing your family, job, marriage, health in order to serve him? It's tough, but the best thing's and opportunities in life are the toughest ones to gain but they yield the very best 'returns' on our investment! Life is hard and the life of a 'real' Christian is, in many ways, much harder to live, however, it is well-worth the fight! Don't let the enemies of God influence you! Give your "all" to him and watch the amazing results of God's goodness show up in abundance!