Do you remember when “Trials and tribulations” were the stuff of those old sermons of yesteryear? They were the hard times that fell upon the other people – unless you were unlucky enough to have someone bring their problems over your threshold. But otherwise, your life was pleasant, if not predictably mundane.
Now, if “Pleasant, if not predictably mundane” describes your present state of being, then you may want to reconsider the whereabouts of that cross that you are supposed to be carrying.
Jesus’ promise of peace did not mean removal from the hassles and menaces of this world. He brought with him both reassurance and warning when he told his disciples:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
The widespread drug-use epidemic that is plaguing our world today is indicative of a culture that has lost all gains made from past Christianising influences. Countries that consider it normal to have its citizenry walking around in various states of mental paralysis are doomed to destruction.
The Fearless in Christ are clearheaded! We declutter our senses and surroundings, lest we trip over our passions and possessions. On a scale, with John the Baptist on one side, and King Solomon on the other, we should be leaning more toward the ‘Wilderness’ rather than the ‘Palace.’
Peter speaks of our trials and tribulations as if being completely natural to our cause:
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12).
It is with that “peace that surpasses all understanding” that the Fearless goes forth to meet the day.
John Staiger
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