If the Righteous Barely escape...

 

Are you undergoing struggles, trials, heartache and problems?  You're not alone!  I have heard from many Christians who are going through some really heavy stuff. I'm talking cancer, rejection by loved ones, death, chronic illnesses, financial woes, etc. I, myself, am going through some rough things. In fact, I can honestly say that this year has been one of the hardest years for me. 

What I believe is happening is twofold. God's hand of restraining is pulling back from this world as He prepares to cast it into Tribulation. Because of that, the enemy forces are being unleashed like never before. Who do they go for? True Believers. YET, our Lord is not unaware of these attacks and of the suffering you are enduring. Rather He is using it to do a final mighty work in you before He comes to rescue you. Remember Scripture says that what the enemy meant for harm, God turns around for our good! It also says that ALL things work together for good for those called by God.  

Think of it like this: You are getting ready for your wedding, right? But you don't just go to the ceremony dressed in your PJs. Even men may spend hours putting on the right clothing and all the accessories. You want everything to be perfect and so does our Lord. He wants a bride without spot, blemish or wrinkle. He wants a bride wholly devoted to Him, totally in love with Him, and excited about being with Him forever! What does that have to do with suffering?  Let's see what Scripture says:

 

 

 So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God. For whoever has suffered in the flesh having the mind of Christ is done with intentional sin and has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God. So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by his human appetites and desires, but he lives for what God wills.
1 Peter 4:1-2

 

Interesting that those who suffer in the flesh in this life and do it with patience and trust in God end up being people who no longer even have a desire to sin!  Instead, that person only wants to please God.

 

Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange were befalling you. But insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory full of radiance and splendor is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph
If you are censured and suffer abuse because you bear the name of Christ, blessed are you—happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition, because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 12-14

 

Again, Believers should not be shocked, stunned, or dismayed when we undergo struggles and trials. It's all part of the Christian life and all meant to perfect you, to sanctify you so you will be ready to meet the Lord.  I'm not sure I'm ready to rejoice at my suffering! But I'm working on it!!  The thing is, this doesn't work if, instead of trusting God when trials come, we gripe, complain, mope around, get angry at God and ignore Him. Nope, This is not accomplishing what the Lord wants to accomplish in you!  

 

And here's the clincher. Since we know judgement is coming fast upon this wicked world, then we surely must know that all judgement begins with God's church.  Why? He wants to get our grip and our eyes off the things of this world and onto Him so He can change our hearts and use us to help save others while making us ready to meet Him

For the time has arrived for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news the Gospel of God?

And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and wicked? 17-18

 

Barely saved? GULP

So I looked it up

"Barely Saved"  In the Greek  molis

with difficulty:—hardly, scarce(-ly), + with much work.
    with difficulty, hardly

    not easily, i.e. scarcely, very rarely

 

Does that scare you? It should. It should instill the Fear of God in you. Not a terror of Him, but a reverence and a devotion and love. Yes, God is love and He is extremely merciful, kind, loving, and filled with grace. But He is also a judge and there will come a time when you will stand before Him.  The Gift of Salvation is FREE, yes!  But why then does Peter say the righteous are barely saved? If all we need to do is say a prayer and believe in Jesus, then how hard is that?  If it is that easy, then why did Jesus say

 

Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 

 

Yes, Salvation is free, but after you receive it, God requires something of you. Not Works. But love, obedience, devotion and a relationship with Jesus. During all of this, the Holy Spirit is working hard within you to change you and make you more like Jesus. It is that transformation that is so hard and so many fall away when the going gets tough.  And part of that transforming process comes with struggles, problems, heartaches. That's why Peter says to rejoice because the more we become like Jesus, the less we care about this world or the things of the world, the more He can use us, and the more we are putting on those final touches for our wedding....which is coming soon! 

 

Suffering? Pray, tell God how you feel, ask Him what He has for you to learn through it, and then trust Him with the result.