STAND FAST & GIVE THANKS
Luke 21:20-28

When these things begin to happen, stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand. v. 28

One man grumbles and another chooses to give thanks. Both experience the same trouble, yet one is redeemed and another is lost. Peter and Judas both denied Christ: one's sorrow led to repentance and salvation, while the other’s led to despair and damnation.

TESTS COME TO ALL MEN

Paul wrote of the day of the Lord "coming like a thief in the night," and said, "Therefore comfort and upbuild one another." Predictions of catastrophic disasters are not meant to frighten us; they are meant to bring us comfort by assuring us that God has everything under control regardless of the circumstances. In every generation some Christians have thought things so bad that the last days were at hand. Yet Paul said, "No test has been sent you that does not come to all men." God will not let us be tested beyond our strength. Sometimes we think our suffering worse than anyone else’s. At that time we need to remember Peter's instructions to "Realize that the bro­therhood of believers is undergoing the same sufferings throughout the world."

THANK GOD IN ALL THINGS

Paul wrote, "We are afflicted in every way possible ... full of doubts, but we are not crushed ... we never despair." Even in the midst of his anxiety, Paul proceeded to thank God. He found relief by living according to his own words: "Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness."

Will we meet troubles with hope and thanksgiving or with despair? As Peter said, "Do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring in your midst. It is a test for you, but it should not catch you off your guard. Rejoice instead, in the measure that you share Christ’s sufferings. When his glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly."

So, when in trouble: Stand fast and give thanks!

John Michael Talbot