Last month I wrote 3 blogs on a topic most people avoid—future difficulties and persecution. Believe me, I didn’t want to. But the Lord made me.
When I first set out to write this blog series, I intended to put together a resource to help you prepare for the difficulties ahead. I had started to compile specific verses that I thought would be helpful for us to stand firm, endure, and persevere; for us to remain faithful no matter what.
However, as I was rereading the Bible through this lens, I was overwhelmed with the plethora of verses that address this issue! Nevertheless, I continued to study for several weeks because I felt compelled by my Lord.
Then suddenly that strong drive was gone when He led me to the following conclusion:
We each have to dig up our OWN treasures from God’s Word
Each of us have to choose our own specific verses for ourselves.
I could do it for you, but it wouldn’t be yours. You wouldn’t appreciate it as much and probably wouldn’t remember them either.
It’s like the difference between climbing to the top of a mountain or being dropped down by helicopter. Sure, the view is the same, but I guarantee you that the one who puts out the effort, who huffed and puffed up that mountain, will enjoy that spectacular view far more than the one who didn’t.
The treasures you dig for yourself will be extra-special to you.
You and I may find the same truth, but it’ll be precious to you for a different reason. You see, our experiences in how we each came to believe and accept that truth are different.
Perhaps you never realized that you relate to your Savior in a unique way. Of course, there are similarities in our relationship with God, but our personalities, abilities, passions, needs, experiences, and circumstances are all different, and therefore our relationship with Him will be unique (See Our Knowable God).
The Lord knows exactly what truth you need to grasp at this point in your journey with Him and will show you where to dig.
As the Holy Spirit leads you to discover and understand these precious jewels of truth in an experiential way, your soul will rejoice. You will remember these special God-moments much more easily—just like we do with our loved ones. That’s because our brains store emotionally-charged events differently.
It’s a good thing God’s Word is infinite! Or you and I would try to hoard them for ourselves!
However, we can (and should) share these wonderful truths with each other. We can exclaim to one another, “Eureka! Look at this amazing truth I just found!” Then our hearts will be united in spirit, glorifying our great Redeemer from our own individual hearts together in true worship.
So my friend, go dig up your own precious gems. I will continue as well. Then we won’t perish in any present or future affliction (Ps 119:92).
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted.
(Pr 2:1-12, emphasis added)
Relevant Resources
Are You Prepared for the Difficult Times Ahead?
Why Does God Allow Persecution?
The BEST Way to Prepare for Future Difficulties
Are You Perishing in Your Affliction
(NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Comments are closed.