Tony

I've noticed that regardless of political views, people across the board complain endlessly about the trials of this world. Everyone seems to feel entitled to avoiding hardships rather than enduring them in faith. Tribulation is God's way of forging our faith. Yet, everyone seems consumed by the fears of this world. We should remember that no hardship we face can compare to what Jesus Christ endured. He calls us to carry our own crosses and follow His example of perseverance. If we do, we are promised the crown of life. So many who claim to have faith in Christ are making the same mistake the ancient Israelites made, who endlessly grumbled and complained during their desert wanderings, a punishment for their lack of faith in God's provision. Because they didn't trust in what God provided and harbored resentment for their trial, that generation was not allowed to enter the promised land. It's a powerful lesson for us today. Many people will fall away because they refuse to endure as Christ calls us to. Instead, they will choose the temporary peace and safety offered by the beast, much like Satan offered Jesus a shortcut during His 40-day fast in the desert, tempting Him to bypass the cross for the kingdom. James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for once they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." Revelation 14:12 "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 2:10 "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." Matthew 24:12-13 "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Romans 5:3-5 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." James 1:2-4 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 1 Peter 1:6-7 "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." Philippians 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Colossians 1:24 "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."