Apostle Paul exhibited integrity with the believers in Lystra, Iconium and to Antioch… the Bible says he met with them and “strengthened the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22) He didn’t “sugar coat” the challenges and difficulties they would face as disciples of Christ. He was painfully honest!
The story of discipleship down through the centuries has been no different… Following the Lord has not exempted believers from facing challenges, difficulties, persecution, poverty, pain and even death. Some of the most exemplary Christians I know have faced those difficulties with faith, grace, strength and hope!
This morning my Bible reading included a Psalm that expressed that kind of grace and faith in the face of suffering… even death (Psalm 30). We do not know precisely what King David was facing but the clues in the passage indicate it was challenging – even deadly!
His words should encourage and sustain someone who is facing major challenges today…
“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me! O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol [i.e. death]; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit!
“Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints! Give thanks to His holy name! His anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping my tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning…
“To you, O Lord, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: ‘What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you?? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!’
“You have turned my mourning into dancing – You have loosed my sackcloth – and clothed me with gladness!” (From Psalm 30 ESV)
My encouragement… If you’re facing challenges that are great, difficulties that are formidable, pain that is excruciating, even death – let David’s words become your words, his prayer your prayer! Strength, grace, hope and help are the specialties of the Lord!
Coffee With The Lord 