Sometimes I wonder if we understand the Gospel message or if we’re just human beings who don’t want to think about what it entails for us as Christians. The main points of the message can be found here in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)

I think most of us understand these two verses. However, what does it mean for us as Christians? If we’re striving to lead a life like Jesus, won’t we go through the same things he went through? I’m thinking, of course, about persecution and trouble.

In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, we read something that struck me today as interesting.

In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.

1 Thessalonians 3:4 (NIV)

Paul told these new Christians that they would be persecuted. I’m sure he told them other things as well, but how often do we tell a new Believer they’re going to have hardship, trouble, and persecution? When I was first saved, I was in the midst of some trouble that went away after I was saved. However, a few short months later, I was plunged head-first into something new that arose because I was saved. At the time I put my trust in the Lord, and after nine months or so of pressing into the Lord, the issues were resolved, and I was stronger in the Lord.

Yet, every time since then, when I’ve had hardship and trouble, I act like it’s something new. Am I the only one who acts like this? Perhaps the issue isn’t that we don’t tell people they’re going to have trouble. Instead, we have this idea that “it’s never going to happen to us,” and when it does, we lean on the Lord, get through it, and then do the same thing the next time it happens. Acting like it’s new again.

Trouble is a part of life. Whether or not you’re a Christian. I had my share of troubles long before I was saved, and I know plenty of people who aren’t saved who have their share of trouble. Perhaps what matters is that when we have hardship, trouble, and persecution we do the “right” thing with it. We take it to God.

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 9:9 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be free from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey

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