Matthew 26:52-54
‘Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”’
It was God’s plan of salvation that Jesus die on the cross. Because of this we can have forgiveness of sins and go to God at the end of our lives and live there forever. This is the good news, the gospel. Today’s verses have the very difficult act of Judas’ betrayal. Peter tried to rescue Him. We have Jesus’ answer. It was God’s will that it go this way.
The bible tells us that at times it’s His will that we go through trials. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” This is a great lesson. He allows trials in our lives to make us better. It doesn’t feel that way. The bible tells us this all throughout. What a blessing that our trials have a purpose.
James 1:2,3 tells us what our attitude is to be about trials, “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” This takes faith to do this. We believe He is able to do this.
Counting trials joy can take the bitterness out of life. They tend to be what people are so unhappy about. God can take the bitterness out. We have to believe Him. Amazing.
God helps with this joy. When we are born again He causes the Holy Spirit to live within us. With that comes the fruit of the Spirit. Part of that is joy. So we are to consider it joy and He gives us joy. Thank You, God.
We have to choose this attitude. I have been a believer for nearly 50 years. I still have to tell myself to do this. It’s easier. It does go against our old nature. We do all we can to get out from underneath them. Part of that is fine. It’s ok to try to remedy a situation. We have to be patient and joyful.
Yesterday I was mulling over some injustices I’ve experienced. I know it’s wrong, but when I bump into those who caused them, those feelings can resurface. I think about Joseph when he saw his brothers who sold him into slavery. He said, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” I am unable to see the positive outcome, but that’s where faith comes in. I have to believer that He can turn trials into gold.
Thank You, Lord for this. It’s amazing that You do this for us. Help us to put our selfishness aside and adopt this attitude.