Jesus warns His disciples about the trials and tribulations they assuredly will experience.
“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name”(Luke 21:12).
God allows contradictions for they can be the occasion for greater good.
Consider the Roman Empire and ruthless persecutions unleashed upon the earliest disciples of Christ Jesus. Their very sufferings strengthened spiritual convictions and grew the Church.
“It will lead to your giving testimony” (v. 13).
This side of heaven struggles do not discriminate. All of us face problems and difficulties some of which may be enormous while others are of little, if any, real consequence.
With God’s help, trials can strengthen our minds and hearts. Patient perseverance is the course intentional disciples follow to find their way safely through adversities. The key always rests with having and keeping our sights set squarely on Christ the King of the Universe. Confidence never is made, but rather it is discovered and received as God’s gift – what we also call grace. It is found in the fact that Jesus has triumphed and the victory He has secured is for us and for our salvation.
