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(continued from 46)
oes the Christian fold his arms and do nothing when afflicted? Especially having seen in the Scripture that it could be a trial of one's faith (1 Peter 1:7; James 1:3), which eventually will lead to the growth of one's patience (James 1:3), which when is finally in full bloom will lead to strong character (James 1:4). Especially that trials and afflictions refine and purify the Christian, leading to much praise and glory and honour on the day of His return (1 Peter 1:7).
Does the Christian fold his arms and do nothing in his affliction, so that Christ's power might show in him by making him a dignity of Christ's suffering (Rom 9:17) and a partner?
Does the Christian who is being denied promotion and his right in his place of work because of the declaration of his faith in Christ fold his hands and do nothing?
What does the Scripture say? Pastor James was clear in his answer.
To the Christians who were facing affliction and which as a result were scattered abroad, he wrote: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray" (James 1:13).
What did Jesus Our Lord and example in suffering do in his moment of difficulty?
He told his disciples "Pray that ye enter not into temptation" Meaning, "Pray God that you will not be overcome by temptation"
After this, the Lord withdrew from them about a stone's cast, knelt down and prayed, saying; "Father, if you are willing, please take away this cup of horror from me. But I want your will, not mine" (Lk. 22:41- 42). This is in spite the fact that it was for that purpose He came (Rom. 15:3), (of dying a cruel death in order that we may be free from sins and all other oppressions of the devil).
He was in such agony of spirit that He broke into a sweat of blood, with great drops falling to the ground as He prayed (Luke 22:44).
When the Lord taught us how to pray, He included a phrase: "And lead us not into temptation" (Matt 6:13).
The Lord knew quite all right that there was no way, any person who wants to live a Christ like life will not be tempted. In fact, He repeated it often that we shall be hated and be persecuted; yet He taught us to pray against it, but really that we should not be overcome by the trials. The Lord did not stop there, He added "But deliver us from evil"
To be continued
