The most important effect of any adversity is not its outcome on the world or upon other Christians, but its outcome in our own life. We are not saved in order to be a blessing to other people. We are saved in order to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, God's Son.
In order to fulfill that purpose, God will put us through any fire if only He may fashion us and make us what He wants us to be--like Jesus. Everyone of us, without exception, as we apply these words to our own lives, would support the statement because what we have gone through has either hardened or melted us into greater conformity in Christ.
What has Paul to say about this in his most arduous circumstances? As always, "Christ shall be magnified in my body".
In our body? Yes, our lips shall speak of Him. Magnified by my hands which even in confinements can serve Him. Magnified by our stricken feet which even here, within the limited space at our disposal, can run His errands. Magnified by our shoulders which gladly submit to this burden and bear it for Jesus' sake. Magnified in sickness never ending; handicaps permanent!, deaths of loved ones. Christ shall be magnified in our body. Thus says Paul:
Philippians 3:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.(WE WILL BE CHANGED UNTO HIS LIKENESS IN GLORY: THAT IS THE MIRACLE OF THE "RAPTURE"!)
Philippians 4:4-8
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (Everyday, every moment, His promises He keeps and will keep as we await His call. OUR GOD IS A LIVING GOD IN OUR LIVES!)
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (True PEACE!)
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.( In Jesus Christ we reach mountain tops of joy, peace and love!)
THE CONCLUSION
That is what trials and troubles do. It brings Jesus near.
Have your experiences had that effect, to make the Savior who was only at a distance to be brought wonderfully near?
Have we been applying it personally as a message from God to our own soul? How have we come out of it all? What effect has it had upon the unsaved around us? What effect is it having upon Christians? But most of all, what effect is it having in us?
Chaim, least
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