Manna for Your Morning

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. — 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT) No matter what the current set of circumstances may be, we can continue to rejoice. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NKJV) For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NLT) And remember, our Heavenly Father is faithful to deliver the rig...

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. — James 1:12 (NASB) And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5 AMP) And you will be hated by everyone because of [your association with] My name, but it is the one who has patiently persevered and endured to the end who will be saved. — Matthew 10:22 (AMP)

And Yahweh said, “I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sufferings.” — Exodus 3:7 (LSB) God spoke these words to Moses when the Israelites were enslaved. However, when you are in the midst of hardships and difficulties, know that our heavenly Father still sees the affliction of His people today. He knows every heartache and sees every tear that rolls down your face. If you call upon Him, He hears. Psalms 18:6 (LSB) says: In my distress I called upon Yahweh, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears. Not only does He hear the righteous when they cry for help, He also delivers them out of all their troubles. (See Psalms 34:17) There is no obstacle too hard for our great God to handle. He is Jehovah-Nissi, the LORD our Banner of Victory. Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ. (See 2 Corinthian...

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  — Romans 8:18 (NASB) That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NLT) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17) Fix your gaze upon Him.

We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. — James 5:11 (NASB) The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning… (Job 42:12a NASB) Whatever you may be going through right now, know that your future in God is brighter and brighter. For the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross... (Hebrews 12:2). For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us! (Romans 8:18 AMP) Amen!

And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; — Romans 5:3 (AMP) The Voice translation says, “ We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance ” (Romans 5:3). How can we celebrate in seasons of suffering? Because 1) It's momentary. It will pass, seasons come and seasons go. 2) God is with us, and 3) He has given us the ultimate victory. May we strive to press on to maturity and to finish the race before us with joy, like the Apostle Paul. And don’t grumble, whine or complain about current circumstances, because we are citizens of a Kingdom that is unshakable. Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. — James 1:2-...

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. — Romans 5:3 (AMP) Regardless of any troubles and sufferings, we can be full of joy right now, knowing that patient endurance is the outcome. Patient endurance is what we need now, so that we will continue to do God’s will. Then we will receive all that He has promised (Hebrews 10:36 NLT). When our endurance is fully developed, we will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:4 NLT). Therefore… let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (Hebrews 12:1 NLT).

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9  (NLT) Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us (Romans 8:37 AMP). Don't be fazed by the sufferings of this present time and the light momentary afflictions which are upon you. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31 NKJV)

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. — Romans 5:3-4 (AMP) As we endure the challenges of this life, we can be sure that our faith is being strengthened, patience is produced and our character is being develop and growing in maturity. And this kind of character creates a joyful and confident hope within us. This hope never disappoints or deludes because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts. (Romans 5:5) Because God loves us and is working all things together for good, we will not be disappointed!

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. — 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NKJV) Stay clearheaded and alert so that you don’t end up in the snare of the enemy. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping (1 Peter 5:8, The Message). Resist him, standing strong in your faith. James 4:7 instructs us to submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Our God is greater! Amen.

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. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. — 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV) We can endure the fiery trials that come, knowing that God will not allow more than we can bear. And after you have suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation (1 Peter 5:10). Amen.