From: ***@gmail.com (Vincent)
I asked for Strength.........
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
God gives us difficulties (hardship, to punish us with calamities) so we
do not lose our salvation, as this Scripture explains:
1 Corinthians 11:31,32 - For if we would judge ourselves, we would not
be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we
may not be condemned with the world. ~ Note: To judge ourselves also
means to be at variance with one's self, hesitate, doubt. So think about
it and be careful of what you do. The word for chastened also means to
punish in order to correct by the afflictions of evils and calamities.
So if life seems a misery and you're going through extreme misfortune
that brought great loss and sorrow, then it might be God at work causing
that so you don't lose your salvation. The word for condemned also means
to be given judgment against, damned. Surely that means God corrects and
punishes us so that we don't go to hell with the lost people. The word
world here also means the ungodly multitude, the whole mass of men
alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ. So
that proves this passage of Scripture applies only to saved people and
not the lost people as well. God does this for our betterment so that we
don't become lost.
If hard times make you depressed knowing the previous Scripture should
give some relief because we know its for the good. Here's some more good
news: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our
tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any
trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God -
2 Cor. 1:3,4. Comforts also means to encourage, strengthen. The word
tribulation here also means oppression, affliction, distress, burden.
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also
abounds through Christ - 2 Cor. 1:5. Sufferings also means misfortune,
calamity, evil, affliction. So that's just like what the chastening of
the Lord is in 1 Cor. 11:32. Consolation also means exhortation,
admonition, encouragement, comfort or refreshment. So be of good cheer
because God will comfort us even though life may be tough. ~ Now if we
are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is
effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if
we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope
for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the
sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation - 2 Cor. 1:6,7.
my preaching:
The Way To Heaven, according to the Bible
http://www.geocities.com/1christlover
"Once Saved, Always Saved" IS WRONG
http://www.geocities.com/1christlover/OSAS-.html