Trials & Hardship

[FatherApe]

Do Christians open themselves up to trials and hardship on earth as God 'grows' them? Does a non-Christian lifestyle get you rewards on earth as satan lets you party down - as long as you don't turn to God?

 

[FatherApe]

Cuz'.. I dunno about you, but my life gets tough when I strive to get spiritual.

 

[Yekcidmij]

Life will throw you a screwball sometimes no matter what you belive.

 

[FatherApe]

Yes, but if life is throwing you one screwball after another, should you start taking inventory of thangs you might wanna change?

 

[Fiat]

Do Christians open themselves up to trials and hardship on earth as God 'grows' them? Does a non-Christian lifestyle get you rewards on earth as satan lets you party down - as long as you don't turn to God?

Trials and tribulations come to all, whether Christian or non Christian. Some turn to God and are strenghtened in their walk due to a trial while others turn away from God blaming him. Jesus also endured trials and tribulations for our sake. There is a purpose for everything that happens, whether to strengthen us or to release us from a bondage or even for reasons that may not be known to us.

As far as Satan giving you earthly rewards for obedience to him, sure, but I'd rather have eternal life with my Lord and Savior. Our time is short here, use it wisely.

 

[BarbB]

Yes, but if life is throwing you one screwball after another, should you start taking inventory of thangs you might wanna change?

Those screwballs are probably thrown by Satan to try to steal your peace. Pray, read your Bible, get help from fellow Christians. Satan does not bother those he is sure of!!!!

 

[Yekcidmij]

Yes, but if life is throwing you one screwball after another, should you start taking inventory of thangs you might wanna change?

Sure. Screwballs are thrown sometimes, and they can be nasty, but you can hit them. There is nothing wrong with reflecting and changing. But just because things are really tough doesnt mean it has anything to do with what you are doing or not doing.

Those screwballs are probably thrown by Satan to try to steal your peace. Pray, read your Bible, get help from fellow Christians. Satan does not bother those he is sure of!!!!

It's not just christians who go through hard times.

 

[Blueberry Sponge]

Yes, but if life is throwing you one screwball after another, should you start taking inventory of thangs you might wanna change?

Oh yes.
food for thought: 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

If you are seeking the Lord, satan is absolutely going to work on you. You're giving him a problem. But it can work out for good if you've committed yourself to Christ, because then Christ steps in and helps you with those battles. The ultimate in powerful allies. Two very good things to look at are Matthew 4, which is how Jesus handled these battles, and Ephesians 6. You'll find that faith in Jesus Christ is the trump card. It extinguishes all the flaming arrows of the devil.

But in these things, ask God to show you the value of the eternal. Because the devil never gives anything away for free. A party for a moment, but a heavy price to pay. He never tells anyone that part.

If you need help, just ask. It can get pretty dicey. A lot of us have been through it and would be glad to give you support. Blessings to you.

 

[FatherApe]

Thanks Whitehorse (and others). There's been lots of hardship here lately. Your prayerful support is a true blessing.

 

[water_ripple]

Do Christians open themselves up to trials and hardship on earth as God 'grows' them? Does a non-Christian lifestyle get you rewards on earth as satan lets you party down - as long as you don't turn to God?

Everybody is called to take up thier cross and follow Christ. Very difficult at times, but the hard times are not as difficult for me as they were before I came to Christ.

I used to party down and live a life that laughed in the face of God. Yeah I had some times I thought were great until my life came crashing down on top of me. I realized the fun I was having wasn't really fun at all. They were empty and distructive pursuits. What did I get from them? Lots of hangovers, and an emotionaly complicated life that blew up in my face. Satan takes great joy in tourment it would seem. The things that Christ is teaching me are rewarding. My earthly pleasures and treasures had zero value compared to the treasures of Christ. Praise God that I have been forgiven, and accepted. Otherwise my life would probably be the equivalant of a rusty garbage can by now.