Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
THE PATIENCE TEST, NO. 11
Luke 21:19 (NKJB): "By your patience possess your souls."
In Luke 21:7-19 Jesus outlines to his disciples what would happen when the temple would be destroyed. He goes on to speak about the end of the age calamities that will happen. Verses 10, 11 say: "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences: and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven."
He continues to speak of persecutions, imprisonments, and judgments before kings and rulers. But Jesus tells them not to be anxious about what to say for "I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay, nor resist."
But there is more yet. They will be betrayed by parents, family, and friends. Some will even be put to death. They will be hated for the name of Jesus. Yet in the midst of all this, Jesus said they were not to panic, not to have nervous breakdowns, and not to be angry. This would only cause them to act in a non-Christian manner, be revengeful, and take matters into their own hands.
Although this may not happen in the near future here in USA, if we go ourselves, or send forth our sons and daughters to foreign mission fields to help fulfill the Great Commission, all of the above could happen.
James 1:2- 4 (NKJV): "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
Men, we must never underestimate the value of patience for it is far more important that we have ever thought. We must with all care and diligence teach our families the great importance of this truth because their lives in Christ depend upon it.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
