Church bulletin for October
As we look at the brutality of the regime in the Middle East, we may feel doubtful as to whether we could remain faithful in such circumstances. There is an account recorded in one of Spurgeon’s books on anecdotes which goes something like this: one day Spurgeon was walking with a friend and while conversing he confessed that should the fires of Smithfield be re-kindled he feared that he would not have the strength to be faithful unto death. To this Spurgeon’s companion responded, in your own strength it is doubtful you could endure, but you stand in the grace of God and God’s grace is sufficient for whatever He call us to.
God’s grace does not remove fear, pain or temptation, what it does do is enable us to endure. God by His Spirit supernaturally strengthens feeble hearts and enables them to be faithful even to the point of death. In this sense we could say that God’s grace is not a “removal agent”, but an “overcoming agent”. In other words grace does not take away tribulation but rather causes us to faithfully pass through it. By grace we overcome fear, pain and temptation and not succumb to them.
We are reminded here of the thorn given to Paul. 2 Cor 12:9-10, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” When in need, Paul becomes strong. He does not mean strong within himself, but strong because he is entirely dependent upon the grace of God. In weakness and vulnerability he trusts God to keep him faithful.
Our Lord will continually bring us into situations which are beyond our control, beyond our abilities, beyond our strength, and He does this in order to empty us of self-reliance. In weakness He wants us to find the sufficiency of His grace. It is only the weak who say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Whatever challenges you are presently facing; whatever temptations are pressing upon you, know that God strengthens those who are determined to be faithful to His Word. He will not take away the difficulty, but He will fortify your resolve and uphold you as you pass through the fiery furnace.