“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience“.
–Romans 5:3
We who are redeemed from our sins by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, have nothing to boast of. We can’t boast on the worldly gains and pleasures, it is the gift of God. Only thing We can be boastful is Christ and the cross(sufferings).
The word separates us from the world. But to remove more ingrained impurities, we need to undergo the fire of suffering.
The word produces patience in us while the fire of suffering produces endurance. The word gives us the purpose and meaning of suffering.Then we understand that we have to suffer like Jesus suffered in this world though He is perfect and sinless.Suffering then from the biblical perspective is not punishment but meant for our purification, our strengthening from within. If we want to to be His heirs, as children and joint heirs with Christ, we have to suffer with Him.
Romans 6:17
We should rejoice in the hope that God ,s grace enabled Jesus to overcome suffering in this world and came out victorious , similarly we could also become victorious if we put our hope and confidence in His word.
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.”. But rejoice in as much as you are partakers of Christ, sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding joy”.
The trial of our faith is much more precious than of gold.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”.
1peter1:7 & 2 Corinthians 4:17
David had gone through so many trials from the beginning to the end of his life, but he never gone away from the Lord. Whenever trials came he hold to the Lord more and when he sinned he repent and came back to God.so God said “He is a man of My own heart”. Believe that we are the called and chosen ones.so God will send trials to purify us.
Testimony
Even from my childhood, I had to face so many afflictions in my life. In 1981,at the age of 35 God opened my inner eye. My life changed and I accepted Jesus as my personal savior and wanted to serve Him. I came to know the truth through my younger sisterJoyamma Varughese and family.All glory to God.
In 2001,November 30th,the death of my younger son devastated me.But the word and God sent godly people comforted me.I came to know that it is Gods’ plan and I had to surrender. My husband passed away when the children were very young. Now the elder son and his family are in Muscat and I am alone here.I am now 76 years old. and going through some old age diseases but God is with me leading and guiding and keeping me in perfect peace
In 19/09/2020, I attended a Troop Church conducted by an AOJ Sol.Shylaja.It was a turning point in my life and I started working for God through AOJ
Prayer
Gracious Lord thank you for choosing me and called for your kingdom work.
Amen
–Sol.Aleyamma Cherian