Lord, Help Me To Endure This Trial – Pastor Carter Conlon – Times Square Church – 05.27.2018

Perhaps the only way that many will see God in this generation is to watch us go through trials with joy that they know they have no power to face. There is sometimes a purpose to the hardship that we encounter. You never know who is watching! Perhaps God allows us to face down trials personally that prepare us for greater things, and even greater trials, to come. These components of difficulties cannot be lost on us. Do not be discouraged brothers and sisters! God is our strength, and Jesus has overcome the world. The Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth and righteousness. There is no temptation facing us that God does not provide a way out. Do not succumb to frustration, impatience, bitterness, anger, gossip, and wrath. Anything we could endure in this life is a light affliction and according to Paul is unworthy to be compared to the glory of the Kingdom of God. Press in to God. Build your faith through trials. Pray!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
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Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.

1 Peter 1:3-9,4:12-14