Beyond Mediocrity Blog

(Image courtesy of http://lexfridman.com.) "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:16-17). "Does Paul tell us why suffering must precede glory? We can give at least part of the answer. It's found in Romans 5:3, 'And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance.' There's the clue: Suffering, or tribulation, works endurance or perseverance. Perseverance of what? Faith. How? By knocking the props of self-reliance (and trust in things and people) out from under us, and making us rely more on God (see 2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

(Image courtesy of www.kevinspear.com.) "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).  "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).  "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him; yet I will argue my ways to His face" (Job 13:15). Do you trust God?  It's one thing to say you do, but it's another thing to honestly do so.  In times of plenty - bills are all payed with a little left over, everyone in the house is in good health, and work is going well - it is easy to trust God.  We praise Him happily because all our needs have been met and we feel so emotionally good that we aren't worried or concerned about much at all.  We love God!