The Way of Life – Leah Wilkes
“Suffering will come,” cries Paul from the pages of the New Testament. Trial, affliction, and persecution knock at the door as a way of life, but the comfort of God swiftly follows. “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” As Christians we do not escape sickness, grief or offense. In fact, we are encouraged not to be surprised at the storms of hardship, and all the more to expect our God of comfort who always lifts weary heads above the waves. We should “Count it all joy” in fact when we “meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
The only thing our Father asks of us is a simple but miraculous request. It is the request for us to “be steadfast”. Not to be strong, eloquent or intelligent… just steady. Christ calls for steady belief that He is God, and He will finish His work. The God of comfort merely requires we trust He is there and that He is working all things together for good. A wonderful mentor and friend said something once: “You’re better led than you know.”
So often we try to figure out all the details when it comes to our trials. We attempt to piece together possible reasons and purposes, wondering what God is doing and how it is significant… Alas, we were never asked to put the pieces together, we were simply asked to wait and see. “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” My what a revelation Job received when God stepped down and displayed His sovereignty.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?”
“Surely you know” oof!
Or KJV “If thou knowest?”
Do not presume to know all the plans and purposes as if you were God Himself. We have no comprehension in our limited minds of how the intricate workings of our lives, paired with those around us, are working together a miraculous and intentional plan that surpasses more than our personal forward “progress.”
There will be times when you may feel “held back“ but instead, like Joseph in the prison, circumstances are being woven together behind the scenes that you never could have anticipated. Joseph was not required to put the pieces together, he was required to be steadfast. It was due to his diligent service in Potiphar’s house and a dungeon that he could walk with confidence into the leadership role pharaoh presented to him, but at the time in those unusual places, he had no idea what would happen next. Yet he remained steadfast…
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
Not only does our steadfastness show itself to be worth it here on earth, but Eternity will proclaim treasures and purposes that we will never know this side of heaven. We walk by faith, not by sight.
“When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” Acts 11:23
God never asked us to drum up a revival, or cause some kind of emotional reaction in his people. He never said create a following or have a well known name. He simply cries out from every corner of His word, “trust Me and be steadfast!”
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Gal 6:9-10
Paul instructed Timothy to be an example of good works, to study the Word and show himself approved therein. Do you long to serve God and have a victorious Christian experience? Then walk in daily trust and faith, consistently seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit. It looks different for different people. There’s no fixed routine or golden hour of intercession. There is simply you and the leading of the Holy Spirit. “How can the Holy Spirit lead me?” you may ask. In any way He wants. You just have to listen. If your heart is yearning the direction of the Spirit, God will speak to you in any number of ways, but primarily through His word. Do you want to know what to do today? Let’s start with what He gave you, the Word of God through 66 books in the Bible. God is not a tease. He will lead you.
Jesus left us with the Comforter, because that guidance was all we would need alongside the gift of the Word of God. My fellow comrade, we are dripping with every provision and equipped with every tool we will ever need. We are only asked to take one step after another. We are asked to be steadfast.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Cor 15:58