Chastening

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It is clear that the United States of America is sliding downhill morally. The Spirit of God is commanding American Christians to repent. In order to help us repent, the Lord is sending trouble upon us. We are not to be amazed at the fiery trial that shall test us but repent, so we may save our loved ones and friends.

(5/8/2005) The burden of yesterday had to do with the fiery trials that are coming and yet shall come upon God’s people—especially those who are close to Him. The text used was the first thirteen verses of the twelfth chapter of the Book of Hebrews.

We are enjoying life, having only our ordinary amount of confusions and frustrations. Suddenly we find ourselves being oppressed by various forms of suffering. There may be health problems, cancer, domestic discord, financial problems. "Where is God?" we wonder.

We may have been taught that Christians are not to suffer. "Christ suffered so we do not have to experience pain." "Christ became poor so we may be rich." "Christ was despised and rejected so we may be successful in this world." These are the deceitful messages that prevail in our day.

If we are to survive spiritually we must look to see if the doctrines we are being taught are leading us to righteous conduct. If they do not, they are of the enemy. They are of the deception that Christ told us would abound in the last days.

Then too we must avoid fretting about the evil in America. Certainly there are abominations being performed in America, and there are periodicals that tell us how awful everything is. But the Bible commands us not to fret. If there is something we can do to bring about righteousness and justice we should do it, as the Lord leads. Otherwise we are to pray that God will correct the problem area, and then look up to Christ with rejoicing; for it is certain His glory fills the earth.

Sometimes we pray for people to be delivered from problems when God has sent these problems to bring the individual closer to Himself. We need to ask how Christ wants us to pray—what He is praying for, as Dr. Dianne McIntosh suggests. You know, no one could have prayed for Job to be healed until God was through dealing with him. Isn’t that so?

According to the fourth chapter of the Book of First Peter, suffering saves us by removing sin from us. God is judging the living and the dead. When He judges us He shows His anger toward the sin and rebellion in us. If we submit ourselves to God as to a faithful Creator, the day shall arrive when we stand before Him in the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Jesus told Peter that Satan was going to sift him. Why? Because the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom.

Jesus did not tell Peter He was going to rebuke Satan so Peter would not be sifted. Rather Christ prayed that Peter’s faith would be strengthened so he would glorify God by standing firm.

How is it with you, friend? Have you suddenly found yourself in a dark pit where you have to look up to see the bottom? You used to arise full of joy and enthusiasm, ready to serve the Lord in the new day. Now the moment you awake you remember you are awaiting the results of the biopsy. You remember that your son is in jail for killing someone in a hit and run accident while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. You dread the fact that your job is going to be terminated. Perhaps you are being sued, having been accused of negligence. Your daughter has left home and is living on the street as a prostitute—she who once was a beautiful little blond-headed darling with her blue ribbon and her teddy bear.

These kinds of things surely can’t happen to Christian families who attend church regularly? Yes, they can and they do. Everyone suffers in this world. It is the valley of the shadow of death. If you have not found this to be true, you shall in the future.

Remember one thing: if you are not an evil doer, your suffering is for the purpose of bringing you closer to God. Pray that your faith does not fail. Every son God receives He punishes with a view to correction. Your end will be peace, and a knowledge of the Lord you did not have previously. Consider the end of Job.

It appears that many Christians are experiencing fiery trials in the present hour. These trials are to prepare us for what is ahead in America.