Though in the night we may have spiritual weapons of darkness forged against us, they will not be victorious against God. This inspires us to find small victories in our immediate circumstances. God takes the terrible things that occur in our lives and uses it FOR HIS ULTIMATE GOOD. “…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation PRODUCES PERSEVERANCE; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT, because the love of God has been POURED OUT IN OUR HEARTS by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Rom. 5:3-5) Some unbelievers may take this the wrong way, thinking that God will always RESCUE US from all negative circumstances. “You therefore MUST ENDURE HARDSHIP as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier.” (2 Tim. 2:3-4) In our struggle against sin, we may have not yet resisted to the point of shedding our blood. And have we completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses us as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines THE ONE HE LOVES, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” (Heb. 12:4-6)
Jesus spoke against our discouragement, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.” (John 16:33)
-Bill Stockham