1 Corinthians 15:58

‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.’

DAILY READING Mark 5:21-43; 2 Samuel 14; Daniel 8

Pastor Richard Wurmbrand was an evangelical minister who endured 14 years of Communist imprisonment and torture in Romania. He was arrested in 1948, along with his wife, for running an underground church. This was after the communists banned the preaching of The Gospel.

Pastor Wurmbrand spent three years in solitary confinement, seeing no one but his Communist torturers. He was then transferred to a group cell, where the torture continued for five more years. During his years in jail, Wurmbrand was beaten, given mind-altering drugs and humiliated. Through everything, he refused to recant his faith. He kept sane by preaching himself a sermon every night, fixing more than 300 sermons in his brain.

His wife was released after 3 years in prison. But she  was denied work for refusing to divorce her husband. Then after more than eight years in prison, Richard Wurmbrand was finally released. A group of Christians in Norway, paid a ransom of $10,000 to the Romanian government for his release. As soon as he came out, he immediately resumed his work with the underground church.  He later moved with his wife to America where they campaigned for religious freedom, founded the Christian Mission to the Communist World and became co-founders of The Voice of the Martyrs.

 

1 Corinthians 15:58 says ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.’

Despite all this pastor went through, he remained immovable. He refused to recant his faith. And remained steadfast in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ.

As a child of God situations will come to try your faith. But no matter what you pass through, decide to stand strong in the face of every adversity. Don’t ever allow anything to shift your faith or focus from Christ. Be strong, immovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord.

Often, difficult situations are simply a test of your faith. If you choose to get bitter, then you have missed the point. Rather choose to get better by pressing forward with a smile on your face. Rejoice, and know that God is bringing out the best in you. The only difference between a piece of black coal and a priceless diamond is the amount of pressure that it’s endured. When you endure pressure, and stand strong in the midst of trials, you will come forth as gold.

Oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. One of the surest tests for a true diamond is the water test. An imitation stone, on the surface is as brilliant as a genuine stone. But under water, a genuine diamond typically sparkles brilliantly, while the imitation is practically extinguished. Under water, the difference is immediately made clear. You may be going through a trying situation now, but always know that God has your best interest at heart. Regardless of your current circumstances, God is working out His will.

Eph 1:11 says God works all things according to the counsel of His own will. the enemy cannot have his way! only God’s counsel will stand;

Psalm 34:19 says ‘The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.’

Be assured that God’s will is your deliverance. Just keep standing strong in the face of every trial. Don’t give up, don’t give, don’t quit.

Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” To overcome you must be rooted in The Word. This means you soak up the Word just as a dry sponge soaks up water. It is The Word within you that births the faith that will cause you to overcome.

Yes, it may seem as if you have been fighting battles too great for you, but you are never alone in your battles. The battle is not yours, but the Lord’s! God is watching over you. He that keeps Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. God will see you through. His grace that has brought you thus far, will keep you. Fear not. Do not be troubled, let not your heart be shaken. Your God is able. Your God is faithful. He will fulfill His promise to you. He is committed to manifesting His glory embedded in you, He has not brought you this far to leave you. He is with you even till the end of time.

 

PRAYER: Lord, I know with you nothing shall be impossible. Please help me to always focus on your Word even in the midst of trying situations. I know that, no matter what it may look like now, everything will eventually  work out for my good in Jesus Name. 

 

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The battle you are faced with today is a good warfare because God has already foreordained  victorious end for you WORDBITE 222.

 

[ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK ESTABLISHED IN THE WORD OF GOD]