The Cup Comes Before The Crown

“I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble [tribulation]. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Jesus was referring to Peace, the fruit of the Spirit - which we have in our hearts in spite of our circumstances, not because of them. Have you ever had a difficult day and when you got home you just to relax in the quiet? Well maybe not if you have small children. :) That aside, it is that feeling, by faith not a quiet room, that we can have even in the midst of the turmoil of life. A pastor said that the Christian life is not like a cruise ship, it is like a battle ship. The title to this post and that last phrase were both borrowed from the sermon we heard last Sunday. 

Sometimes you can see trouble coming your way and can prepare for it. Other times trouble comes upon you like an ambush. Suddenly - seemingly out of nowhere. Either way - there can be peace in the midst of the storm. Do you recall Jesus and the disciples in the storm?

Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” - Matthew 8:24-25

Notice the difference between Jesus' and the disciples' response to the same event. He was sleeping and they were panicked. You would have thought that they would have taken the hint that he was SLEEPING! Helloooo! But they didn't. They were focused on the trouble at hand. A storm that surpassed their boating skills. His was a spiritual response - theirs was a natural response. Fear of impending doom. They just knew they were going to drown! Ever been there? Remember the Battleship analogy?  There is a saying in the military - "You fight the way you train."

When you encounter trouble - that is not the time when you decide you need to read your Bible or pray more.  Those should be daily disciplines of spiritual preparation for the eventuality of TROUBLE coming your way. The Apostle James wrote - 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. - James 1:2-3

Perseverance - persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness. It is a supernatural response to what happens to us in our natural lives. Someone once said there is no TESTimony without a TEST. While we were serving in Jacmel, Haiti I would pass by a building supply store which was not named Lowes, Home Depot or Ace but Perseverance. A reminder to me that what we were doing was difficult but we could persevere.  Another store was Mesi Jezi - Thank You Jesus - great names for stores don't you think. 

As we face the trials of this life, our faith is strengthened so long as we keep a spiritual focus. Last verse to put a bow on it.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. - Proverbs 3:5-8

Remember, the cup of adversity comes before the crown of life. So don't be surprised and don't doubt.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone