Summer
1992
Enduring Hardships
Charles Haun
Hopefully, we are learning to endure all that the Lord has
for us. We learn to pray in times of affliction and trouble.
"Is any among you afflicted? let him pray." James
5:13a.
The children of Israel murmured in their affliction. When
we find ourselves in a place of affliction, we must determine
that we will pray rather than practice murmuring, which will
damage our spirit.
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth
forth good things [Murmuring? No, PRAYER!]: and an evil
man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things
[Murmuring, Unbelief, Disobedience]. But I say unto you,
That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of judgment [These are words
that destroy. This destruction is from within]. For by
thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou
shalt be condemned" Matt 12:35-37. [Comments added].
"Out of ... the heart." Jesus said that it is not
what enters into the stomach that defiles a man, rather it
is that which comes from his heart that defiles. This is where
the root of the destruction of our spirituality is found.
In affliction we learn to endure, and to give the expression
which God desires out from a good [Godly] heart.
Paul wrote to Timothy, "Thou therefore endure hardness,
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" II Tim 2:3."
He was telling Timothy that there is a difference between
a good soldier and a poor one. A good soldier will endure
and overcome whatever pressures, hardships, and afflictions
he finds in his path. He will bear up under all difficulties,
whereas a poor soldier will not. A good soldier will maintain
his faith in God, always trusting Him and continuing in obedience
to Him. A poor soldier will not.
Be a good soldier. Keep your heart focused upon your heavenly
Father, rather than upon the hardships and pressures of life.
Do not become a complainer; avoid compromise. Rather, be ever
praising Him and fully obey Him.
As you do, you will soon discover you can endure, and more
- you will learn that His yoke is easy, and His burden light.