Philippians 4:2
“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.”
Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” We will have all sorts of troubles in this world. This appears to be two women in the church that aren’t getting along. I would assume they are influential.
We had trouble before Christ, we will have trouble while in Christ. The troubles before Christ can be similar. Some of those offer little hope. The addictions, the sorrow and depression, the lack of love and the fear of death. We don’t have His power. The end many.
His power brings much hope. The John passage tells us that He will give us power to overcome the world. It’s easy for Him. He’s the creator and sustainer of the world. He can heal and empower.
He loves us and wants to help. This is a big difference in christianity. It’s the only religion that has a loving God who wants a relationship with us. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His Son. That whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” Love gives. No one has or could give that much.
An amazing aspect of God is that He has a plan for us. Part of that plan is to use troubles to make us better. I Peter 5:10 says, “And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.” Trials strengthen us. There is design in them. We can trust that He will resolve it some how.
I had a hopeful experience yesterday. Several days prior a car like mine appeared at a salvage yard. I needed one part. I was hoping it had even more. When I arrived I saw that it did. It had a large portion that I had hoped to get. It took six hours to remove it. Two people stopped by to assist. They were sent by God. Several times in the process I had reached impasses. I knew God provided it and He would help me remove it. There was no frustration. It was a gift from Him and I knew He would help. I was gloriously filthy when done. I could have gotten frustrated or fearful that I would miss out. But I knew He would help.
When we are frustrated by troubles we need to look to Him. He will help. He puts a hope in us. Biblical hope is different from worldly hope. It has certainty of a positive end. Worldly hope is more like a wish.
God puts a joy in us. He wants us to be joyful amidst the trials. John 15:11 says, “I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” Joy in trials is from Him. Even though they can be rough His joy and hope are there it’ll work out.
He puts us on a higher plane. Like being above the clouds. Our eyes of faith see Him and what He is doing. He gives us patience to withstand our troubles.
He wants us to share our joy and hope with others. Isaiah 65:2 says, “All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations.” He is reaching out to them. I Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect.” God uses us as His salespeople. He causes them to see aspects of our lives. He wants to reach them and give them the blessings He gives us.
Thank You God for all this. The purpose, the hope, the love and the joy. Help us to bring others with us.