Part 43 – What It Means To Prepare for the 2nd Coming of Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ
The recent Super Typhoon brought about sufferings as well as opportunities to prove one’s faith in God. How should a believer consider sufferings in life ? For one thing, nobody in this world can ever be free from some form of sufferings. It is how we take those difficult moments in time which can make a difference in terms of eventually receiving benefits out of painful experiences.
Let us take the case of a boxer like Manny Pacquiao. In order to win, he must undergo rigid training which requires physical endurance. Have you tried jogging for several kilometers at least ? How about weight lifting several hours a week ? Once in the ring to spar with another boxer, Manny has to withstand hard hits in various parts of his body, in order to be ready for a championship match. Have you felt the pain of bruises and muscles and how irritating they can be not only for a short while but sometimes for many days ?
Similarly, a follower of God must get used to facing a variety of hardships, challenges, and frustrations. Rise each time we fall. Without sufferings, a disciple cannot be a strong warrior who is determined to overcome evil with righteousness. Those weak in handling tough experiences will surrender to evil forces of this world until he becomes part of the dark side of life.
Romans 5:3 ESV
“3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,”
Luke 14:27 RHE
“27 And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
Preparing for the coming of Our Messiah means practicing the life of a disciple. Regardless of what experiences are encountered, a disciple looks up to God for salvation because we believe He holds the keys to Eternal Life.
Psalm 34:19 ESV
“19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”