Lesson Number Two

I have been saying for many years that if the Lord were to take me tonight, I've lived a fuller and richer life than anyone I know. I've known some heartache, but mostly I've lived with incredible blessing. God has been very good to me, and I sure can't complain. And I wouldn't trade my journey for that of anyone else I know. But then there came a great trial. Huge trouble that changed everything. I was blindsided. And when I stopped seeing stars, I realized the second truth like I never had before. Great tribulation will come to everyone. Even Christians. Especially Christians. Job 5:7 says, "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward." Jesus told us in John 16:33 that "in the world ye shall have tribulation." Job said in 14:1 that "man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble." Job was my best friend for a while. I was thinking that at least someone had it worse than me. Misery loves company. :) And then, this verse: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12) And this is where I settled in. Sometimes persecution from where you least expect it. But God said it will come to ALL that will live Godly in Christ Jesus. And I figure I am just as much part of ALL as anyone. This is not heaven. We live in a sinful body in a very sinful world. We can't control others, not matter how hard we try. And bad things are going to happen. Sometimes very bad. God never promised that it wouldn't. As a matter of fact, He promised that it would! Why are we surprised? 1 Peter 4:12 - "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." And so, the second lesson: Expect great trouble and tribulation. God is in it. God will get you through it. God loves you and is working His way in you. He does not expect you to understand, but to just trust Him in it. And, maybe, just maybe, he will show you the purpose in it sooner rather than later. And even if He doesn't, trust Him to be doing an amazing work in you. The rest of one of the verses we started with: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." That's Jesus talking. And that is a promise! And now, on the other side of my great storm I can say: I have been saying for many years that if the Lord were to take me tonight, I've lived a fuller and richer life than anyone I know. I've known some heartache, but mostly I've lived with incredible blessing. God has been very good to me, and I sure can't complain. And I wouldn't trade my journey for that of anyone else I know. Lesson number two: Great troubles and trials will come to everyone!