OVERVIEW
Spiritual Personal Development (SPD) is my latest daily blog endeavor. The objective of this project is to aid me in my spiritual growth, enabling me to effectively navigate any obstacles that may arise in my path. It is my belief that challenges are inevitable as long as I am alive. Therefore, I have embarked on this journey to equip myself for excellence and success. The SPD content will be updated daily, and I am confident that you will derive great benefit from following along with me on a daily basis. What serves to benefit me will undoubtedly be of assistance to you as well.
TODAY'S TOPIC:
PATIENTLY ENDURE TRIALS (series 1): INTRODUCTION
A friend of mine, a retired gospel minister, James John by name was asked by a younger minister, "What is the initial evidence that shows one is filled with the Holy Spirit and called into the ministry?"
Without hesitation he replied,
“TROUBLE! TROUBLE!! TROUBLE!!! TROUBLE!!!!"
EXPECT TROUBLE!
Everyone around was very surprised on the old minister's response. The younger minister was also confused, dumbfounded and almost afraid of the gospel call.
SCRIPTURE CONFIRMS IT:
Rev. James John was on scriptural ground. John the Baptist said of Jesus, He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and with 🔥 fire🔥, "...and burn up the chaff” (Luke 3:16,17).
The “baptism of 🔥 🔥 🔥 fire” surely implies troubles, trials, temptations, tests and hardships.
A well-known "apostle in China" is quoted as saying, “The first sign of an apostle is one who is still standing when everyone else has fallen down from the pressure, discouragement or hopeless situation."
No doubt this brother picked up this inference from Paul's treatise on spiritual warfare, “...having done all to stand -
stand therefore” (Ephesians 6:13,14).
To still be standing when everyone else has fallen down, requires patient and endurance. This is possibly the single most important characteristic of a great leader.
HISTORY OF THE HEROES OF FAITH
When we read the story of "The Heroes of Faith" in Hebrews 11 we are struck by this fact:
"Those who received the highest commendation were those who used their faith to patiently endure extreme hardships and deprivation".
The written record of these heroes is awesome.
"Others trusted God and were beaten to death, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free - trusting that they
would rise to a better life afterwards."
"Some were laughed at and their back cut open with whips, and others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning and some by being sawed into two parts; others were promised freedom if they would renounce their faith, then were killed with swords because they refused to renounce their faith."
"Some... were hungry and sick and ill-treated — too good for this world” (Hebrews 11:35-38 TLB)."
The world was not worthy of such saints. What dynamic men and women were these? Wouldn't you like to be like them?
CONCLUSION:
This lesson will empower us to embody the essence of faith, provided that we are prepared to make the necessary sacrifices.
The lesson is structured into four distinct sections, each focusing on the central theme of "ENDURING WITH PATIENCE" in various sub-topics:
I. Understanding the Importance of Patience
II. Cultivating Resilience in the Face of Adversity
III. Nurturing Trust and Belief in the Process
IV. Embracing Growth Through Challenges
Please join me as we explore each one in depth.
Thanks for your TIME and PATIENCE.