Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
Welcoming Tribulations
By Deborah Shaffer October 13
“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:20–21
Recently, I’ve had a constant battle within that has caused me to evaluate my life. Often, I find myself questioning why I was born in this country and in this time. I’ve been reading about the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries and the persecution they are enduring. Even though their plight in life is to deal with tremendous suffering, they’re also experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that, so far, I can only dream of.
They awake each morning under the cruel hand of adversity with songs on their lips that praise the Lord Jesus Christ. Enduring tribulation is necessary training in becoming a true disciple. On the other hand, I cringe at the thought of someone thinking ill of me if I say or do something in an attempt to follow Christ. They don’t seem to struggle with their purpose in life—it’s to “live for Christ and die is gain,” if necessary. It is not out of the ordinary for them to suffer—it’s natural and welcomed.
I wonder, what would it take for Christians in our Western culture to surrender totally to God and see His awesome power, as these dear Christians do? They don’t “go to church,” they are the Church. They’re willing to give their lives—literally—to see their families, loved ones, friends, and acquaintances come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
I’ve been asked if I think America will ever see the persecution of Christians as in other parts of the world. I don’t think Satan would want that. Why would he? Most of us are dead spiritually, so why awaken us? On the other hand, when such persecution comes, it will be a merciful gift from God, allowing us to experience Him in a whole new dimension. Oh, that we would be found faithful and bring Him glory in all of life’s circumstances!
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4.
Welcoming Tribulations
By Deborah Shaffer October 13
“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:20–21
Recently, I’ve had a constant battle within that has caused me to evaluate my life. Often, I find myself questioning why I was born in this country and in this time. I’ve been reading about the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries and the persecution they are enduring. Even though their plight in life is to deal with tremendous suffering, they’re also experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that, so far, I can only dream of.
They awake each morning under the cruel hand of adversity with songs on their lips that praise the Lord Jesus Christ. Enduring tribulation is necessary training in becoming a true disciple. On the other hand, I cringe at the thought of someone thinking ill of me if I say or do something in an attempt to follow Christ. They don’t seem to struggle with their purpose in life—it’s to “live for Christ and die is gain,” if necessary. It is not out of the ordinary for them to suffer—it’s natural and welcomed.
I wonder, what would it take for Christians in our Western culture to surrender totally to God and see His awesome power, as these dear Christians do? They don’t “go to church,” they are the Church. They’re willing to give their lives—literally—to see their families, loved ones, friends, and acquaintances come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
I’ve been asked if I think America will ever see the persecution of Christians as in other parts of the world. I don’t think Satan would want that. Why would he? Most of us are dead spiritually, so why awaken us? On the other hand, when such persecution comes, it will be a merciful gift from God, allowing us to experience Him in a whole new dimension. Oh, that we would be found faithful and bring Him glory in all of life’s circumstances!
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4.
Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
Welcoming Tribulations
By Deborah Shaffer October 13
“According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:20–21
Recently, I’ve had a constant battle within that has caused me to evaluate my life. Often, I find myself questioning why I was born in this country and in this time. I’ve been reading about the lives of our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries and the persecution they are enduring. Even though their plight in life is to deal with tremendous suffering, they’re also experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit in a way that, so far, I can only dream of.
They awake each morning under the cruel hand of adversity with songs on their lips that praise the Lord Jesus Christ. Enduring tribulation is necessary training in becoming a true disciple. On the other hand, I cringe at the thought of someone thinking ill of me if I say or do something in an attempt to follow Christ. They don’t seem to struggle with their purpose in life—it’s to “live for Christ and die is gain,” if necessary. It is not out of the ordinary for them to suffer—it’s natural and welcomed.
I wonder, what would it take for Christians in our Western culture to surrender totally to God and see His awesome power, as these dear Christians do? They don’t “go to church,” they are the Church. They’re willing to give their lives—literally—to see their families, loved ones, friends, and acquaintances come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.
I’ve been asked if I think America will ever see the persecution of Christians as in other parts of the world. I don’t think Satan would want that. Why would he? Most of us are dead spiritually, so why awaken us? On the other hand, when such persecution comes, it will be a merciful gift from God, allowing us to experience Him in a whole new dimension. Oh, that we would be found faithful and bring Him glory in all of life’s circumstances!
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4.
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