Sobering

Last friday Jeff and I heard from two separate (in one day!) dear ones, a close friend, and a ministry partner that they are in a fiery trial of illness.  Two men that we love – for who they are, for their true fellowship, for the joy they bring to our lives, for their families, for their love for God and for their love for His word.  Men who have served us in a myriad of ways~ by godly counsel, by teaching God’s word, by their kindness and friendship…….and most powerfully by example.  We cried and prayed and still pray.  Please no suffering for these, Lord!

And yet,  here are some of God’s words that each one has mentioned through the years….

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.  (Rom 5:1-3)

We are so thankful that we can rest in their faith….we know that these trials will not be in vain.  They know their God and they rest in him.  They live for His glory and though there will be a fight, we know they are strong warriors, decked in the armor of God, who have shown us how to bear the sword well, whom we have seen in battle.  The enemy doesn’t stand a chance.  God will be glorified, lives will be changed, the gospel will shine forth from this suffering.  Christ is the victor, and he will uphold them with his righteous right hand; they are more than conquerors.

To our brothers:  Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Rom 8:18) We pray the spirit enables you, through every single moment of this trial, to believe and say this with your whole hearts; that you will rejoice in the hope of the glory of God in your fiery trial.  God is your portion and the strength of your hearts; he is faithful; His nearness is your good.  We praise him for you~ and how he will continue to make your lives a beacon of His glory and grace as you walk the path ahead, setting your mind on things above.   We love you and we are praying for you.