Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and imposters will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17
The Bible repeatedly lets us know that we will have trouble on this earth. It’s just the truth. Absence of conflict and trouble doesn’t indicate godliness. I was once taught that it was, but I am so glad to now know the truth. When you read Scripture, you see clearly that troubles are just part of life on earth. But we have promises found in Scripture that show us where we can go during any trial…
But the Lord is my fortress; my God is the mighty rock where I hide. Psalm 94:22
Versions of that same verse are found in multiple places within the Word.
The Word…we must constantly be reading it, learning it, memorizing it…it can’t be replaced with anything else. It’s a discipline we must focus on. It has the power to transform us. It has the power to lay our fears to waste. It is like a double-edged sword, separating bone from marrow. It will show us exactly where our hearts are deceived. It convicts.
Conviction is uncomfortable, yes…but it is necessary if we want to grow.
Joyful are those You discipline, Lord, those You teach with Your instructions. You give them relief from troubled times until a pit is dug to capture the wicked. The Lord will not reject His people; He will not abandon His special possession. Judgment will again be founded on justice, and those with virtuous hearts will pursue it. Psalm 94:12-15
Right in that Scripture, God promises that if we are disciplined by the Lord and taught His instructions, then He will give us relief. It’s a promise! What a wonderful Teacher God is to us.
God is so amazing…He invites us to surrender to being taught and instructed by Him. He invites us to be refined by Him…and He offers a reward for this surrender…His protection and relief. I’d say that’s a pretty fair trade-off. I will take that any day.
God, teach me Your ways. Show me how to lead a disciplined life. Guide me with Your word and Your Spirit. I pray that You will also give me relief from trouble. Lord, hold me close…the only way I can keep to Your path is with your relief. Protect me and my entire family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 