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We've got trouble, right here in River City...

There seems to be a lot of it going around lately in my life and those around me that I love. Trials, testing, storms…whatever name you want to call it. Trouble is what it all is. But God promises that as believers the trouble we endure and partake is not without purpose. It grows us, strengthens us, and draws us closer to daily dependence on Christ.

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3

 

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

 

I find it so easy to forget I depend on Jesus daily when things are going well. Especially when things are going well. During those times it seems like I’ve got things all figured out; I think I’m in control. I make myself too busy to pray or read His Word. I work for Him, sometimes without interacting with Him. That’s a recipe for disaster and worse, empty works and an empty relationship.

 

I don’t want to miss out on that personal aspect of Christian faith. Christ was born to earth, lived a life without sin, taught us how to live, love & serve God, suffered humiliation, torture & bore our sins on that wretched cross, then rose from the dead, defeated death, darkness and satan all so you and I could directly, individually speak to God and have a personal relationship with our Creator.

 

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with out weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” Hebrews 4:15-16

 

“In him [Jesus] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:12

 

What could possibly be more important in my life than that? When I fix my mind and heart and focus on Christ, everything else falls into place, more or less.

 

“Since everything will be destroyed in this way [fire], what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of GOD and speed its coming. That day will bring about destruction of the heavens by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:11-13

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