Dec 17, 2018
The believers
triumphed over satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their
testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Rev 12:11
By knowing Jesus and
His Word, we overcome death instead of being overtaken by it.
When people talk about end times & Revelation, one
common topic discussed is something called ‘rapture’. It’s the idea (from Scriptural indications)
that believers will be relieved of the tribulation by being pulled out of life
on earth by Jesus. There are several
texts that talk about Jesus and His rescue, and others that make it seem
different. (I’m not going to argue the
doctrine in this blog.)
Whatever you believe about ‘rapture’, there is a common
belief from all people of faith (and I would add everyone else on earth), that
we ALL face some level of tribulation.
It may come in the form of a bad doctor’s report, or a broken relationship,
or a rebellious child, or a lost job.
Some folks suffer far greater tribulation than others. But all people face troubles. Rapture or not, we have plenty of
tribulation.
The last days will be the worst days ever seen (and history
has seen some really bad days). And just
like all days of trouble, God has shown that He doesn’t always take people away
from the trouble beforehand, but often takes their hand to help them overcome the
trouble. Consider some of the
examples: Joseph in jail, Joshua facing
Jericho, Daniel in the lion’s den, 3 Jewish boys thrown into a blazing furnace,
Peter in prison, Paul in the midst of a hurricane. Knowing Jesus doesn’t mean avoiding all the
struggle, it means overcoming the struggle!
I hope there is a rapture (and could argue there is a
pre-tribulation rapture – but could also argue from Scripture
differently). But even without a rapture
in your life & mine, I KNOW that God shall overcome! It’s just much better holding His hand IN the
tribulations of life than trying to manage them myself.
You may be in a season where life seems to be overtaking
you. Maybe the waters of trouble are swamping
your boat. Or maybe you’re deeply
depressed and lonely during the holidays.
Take heart, Jesus has overcome the world, and He’s ready to help you
overcome your troubles too. Grab His
hand and walk with Him. Get to know Him
better – read His Word to discover more about His ways and desires. And before you know it, you’ll be on the
other side of that trouble. (Just in
time to face another one with Him later.)
He promises: The Believers Will Triumph!!!
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