Message from Pastor Leo

September 15, 2008

Jesus said, In the world ye shall have tribulation.  John 16:33  You’ve been promised tribulation.  It’s going to happen.  You’re going to suffer.  What are you going to do about it?  You need to be prepared so that you can respond accordingly.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8  That “whom” is you!  He wants to destroy you!

When we live by the flesh, our reaction to suffering is usually panic and self-reliance. “What am I going to do?  How am I going to get out of this?”  But as believers, we are called to live by the Spirit – God’s Spirit – not the flesh.  In order to live by the Spirit and respond in a godly manner to suffering and trials, we’ve got to be prepared for them. 

In your hour of suffering, you, the Christian, should first attempt to determine just why you‘re suffering.  You may be suffering either because of your position or your disposition.  Maybe you’re suffering because you’re really living for God and so the world hates you.  Or you could be suffering because you’re fighting God and He’s poking you with His ox goad.  Suffering is often a two-sided coin.  On one side, suffering may be used by God to bring out the best in us.  On the other side, Satan tries to use the same temptation and suffering to bring out the worst in us.

Peter says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready. 1 Peter 3:15  How do you sanctify God in your heart and get ready?  By reading and studying The Word.  We’re to be people of the book, preparing ourselves for whatever might come our way.  It’ll cost you.  It takes time and commitment, but then you’ll be prepared and ready for the storms of life.  You’ll be able to say “Thank you Father for being in control.  I know that you are good and that you love me.  I trust you.”  You’ll be ready to give an answer to your neighbor who asks “How can you be joyful at a time like this?”

So how do we respond to suffering?  You can despise suffering or treat it incorrectly - too lightly as Esau did his birthright, or so seriously that it causes you to faint - or you can actually grow and receive instruction by it.  That’s what God desires for you.

Our example is Jesus.  How did He handle suffering?  All of the world’s sin was put upon Him; instead of saying “It’s not fair!” or “Why Me?”, He thanked the Lord that He could be used as a servant (Luke 22:17-20).  He praised God.  That’s our example.  And the only way you and I can possibly follow that example and respond to suffering with praise and thanksgiving is to be prepared.  And the only way we can be prepared is by building our relationship with God - by drawing closer to Jesus.

So read your Bible.  Read it every day and draw closer to Jesus.

May the Lord Jesus Christ Be Magnified!

Pastor Leo A. Giovinetti