We could also consider our tribulations as good practice for the last plagues. I would like to use my tribulations now to learn how to rely on God and to be godly under severe circumstances, to practice my Christian integrity, being grateful at all times. Those of us who will be ready, will not be watching the plagues play out and enduring the circumstances it brings us personally praying, "Why me, God? Why me?". No. We'll be praying, "Thank you, God, for the tribulations. Thank you, God for teaching me to rely on you fully. Thank you, God, for refining me through my life and preparing me." Any one who will still be praying "Why me?" will probably not be ready.
James 1:1-8
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. We have such great opportunity through our strife and struggles to rid ourselves of doube mindedness. Sometimes I think the harder the struggle, the deeper we are able to search ourselves; the harder the struggle, the greater the opportunity to truly emulate Christ, who while during His own murder was able to say, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." Also, Stephen prayed this when he was stoned to death, just before he passed into sleep. It's such an excellent opportunity to acknowledge the enemy and the destruction he causes and to seperate the sin from the sinner and learn compassion. It's a depth of compassion beyond human capability carrying the weight of incredible, unknowable even, loss, but it is ours to carry. It's such a great opportunity to wholly focus on God, and not let ourselves be swayed and weakened by whatever the enemy throws at us in whatever costume it wears. We are God's children and our aim is to love not our lives unto death. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death". Rev, 12:11
We'll be in union with God while the world is falling apart around us. Like Stephen, who, while in the death circumstance of being stoned, was in union with the Father. He was praying to Him, thinking of the ones who were stoning him and their salvation, while being brutalized and passing onto death. That is a focus and trust, a complete separation from sin and the sinful world, such a close and total union with God, a reliance that I just love to contemplate. I imagine he was gathered in God's love as it was happening. I imagine he was so in the Spirit that nothing in the flesh could really touch him. Such total union is that. I want that to be me.
Ellen White says the cost of heaven is cheap enough. I have to agree, and not just trust. Because tribulation is where we find victory, and growth, and our "full stature of man", sacrifice, maturity. Living in times of peace is easy, but we have not been called to the easy road. We've been called to the narrow road, which few ever find. Thank God, and praise Him, for our tribulations. Who would want to go through the last plagues without preparation? Not me.
I understand, it feels like death, making that separation. Parting with the anger, and the frustration, and the venemous rage. It feels like I'm literally being torn apart. It feels very violent and it's grueling to suffer through such a challenge. Just not understanding is sometimes enough. But how worth it when we have victory? How worth it when we don't succumb to fear and doubt? All those feelings and temptations of the flesh hang on like the enemy himself with an army of 10 thousand angels. But God is greater, and we are privelaged to witness the gentle victorious strength of Him in our lives throught the struggles. We have to be wiling to let it go. And it will all come to an end.
I often think about my daughter, who has not accepted the gift. I wonder, if she doesn't ever accept it, and she turns on me in the last days, will I be able to leave her behind? Not just physically, but whatever attachment I will have to her - anger, fear, betrayal, grief, grief. Will I be able to watch her storm New Jerusalem and trust God? We need to be prepared for that sort of heart ache, and be prepared to follow Jesus, and to trust, no matter what. I don't know about you, but I need the practice. And again, like Ms. White said
God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining. But those who receive it thus must have another draught, for the first does not have its designed effect upon the heart. And if the second does not effect the work, then they must have another, and another, until it does have its designed effect, or they will be left filthy, impure in heart. I saw that this bitter cup can be sweetened by patience, endurance, and prayer, and that it will have its designed effect upon the hearts of those who thus receive it, and God will be honored and glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian and to be owned and approved of God. {EW 47.1}
I want to accept with gratitude and a wholly open heart for God, the opportunities that we are given through tribulation, and learn with eagerness. By the grace of God, we can rise above life in the flesh, and hold dear the law and mercy of God in all circumstances, trusting in Him, that He's always working for our good, no matter what.
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
Our minds are not set on this world, or the sufferings that come with it.
Donna