Scripture:
Grace is a most wonderful thing. It is freely given even before we seek it. John Wesley teaches three parts to grace prevenient or the grace God extends before you are aware of Him. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV) “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” Next is Accepting or justifying grace. Finally there is sustaining grace, or sanctifying.
2 Thessalonians speaks of prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is the grace extended to us before we are saved. It is the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts to prepare the way. As stated in 2 Thessalonians 2:13 God has chosen us from the beginning. He chose us before we were even born.
Even though we are a chosen people we are not promised an easy life. God never said we would live free and easy. In fact Jesus tells us to take up our cross. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV) “23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” 1 Peter 4:12 tells us not to be surprised by trials that come our way. In fact 1 Peter goes on to tell us to rejoice in them.
As hard as it is to do we should be joyful in our circumstances. I have come to the realization that our joy is not so much for the suffering we go through. Instead our joy should come from knowing Christ is with us through all things. Matthew 28:20 “...And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." He hasn't forsaken us nor left us. Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Jesus is with us as we suffer. It is His strength that allows us to persevere. Through our perseverance God will be glorified and others can see Christ shine through us. If for no other reason this alone should give us joy.
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