1st Peter 4:17. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?” JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD. It has to happen – these testing times – we may not always know the reason. God knows why, so it’s enough to know He has allowed these difficult seasons. To try to avoid the inevitable may lead us to seriously miss the point Of persecution being allowed that will strengthen every joint Used by me to walk in the light of testimony with the Lord – That the lasting things might be revealed, and remove the stubble, hay and wood.
The people of God are purified when there is judgment in the house of God. A lot of things that have claimed my time are dealt with in the light of God’s Word. The serious attraction of the world and flesh must be faced and purged, And the wiles of the devil lose their grip when persecution’s purpose is served. The true believer will stand by the power of God and will become a stronger man – Knowing God will not allow more that is needed for me to take a stand.
But there are others who seem to be real, until persecution comes to them. Under the pressure of things is revealed what is missing – no life- only a sham It is hard to imagine what a tragedy it is, when pretending to live is dead. They live only for now, wanting what is convenient, not bothering to look ahead. For life is so short – eternity so long – they were hoping they’d cease to exist –
But the judgment that purifies those who are real, for the unreal will not cease or desist.
I need to be careful not to complain when I know God is working on me. There will come a time when the reasons for all, I’ll then be able to see. But when I think of the lost who won’t count the cost of living and dying in sin. Then I consider how important it is that I never neglect to be faithful to them – That they turn from the ties, falsehood, and lies that bind them deceiving their soul. Perhaps what they see when persecution comes to me, will lead them into God’s fold.
“There are times of testing right now, Father God. Others are watching to see what we will do here. We ask for divine wisdom to show us the right way to proceed through these deep waters. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
With that in mind, believers can expect that there will be both good times and bad times, but our trust in God's sovereign will should never waver. As the "faithful Creator," a reference to our Lord Jesus Christ 'by whom and for whom all things are and were created," we can commit ourselves to Him without fear. Trust in Him overcomes fear or depression we might have because of the circumstances in which we are found. When the pressures of opposition come, and the situation seems helpless to us, faith in our Lord will keep us from bitterness and hatred toward those who cause the suffering. God is faithful to His word and His people. He knows us and will not allow more than He enables us to endure. Peter's words would have comforted those who were enduring physical and social suffering. The same holds true when it comes to emotional or other forms of opposition when we remain loyal to our Lord and are committed to do His will whatever the consequences.
So, the glory of suffering is a benefit to us when we understand it is a refining process to bring Christ-likeness before those who observe the suffering saints. The blessing of suffering enables the believers to experience the presence and fullness of the Holy Spirit in special ways. The discipline of suffering helps us to evaluate our service and conduct in view of the future day of accounting. Then we can get the right perspective regarding our service as to whether we pass through this testing in God's will, for God's glory and for God's purpose.