Often new Christians are surprised that many things get worse once they decide for Christ. Now they find themselves on the front line of a spiritual battle, while before they were on the other side, far behind the lines. Previously the devil wasn't bothering them much. He didn't have to give much attention to someone bound, chained, and enslaved by him. However, a free person threatens the devil, and so forces a confrontation.
"Trust God and He will help you" (Sir 2:6). "Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling to Him, forsake Him not; thus will your future be great. Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; for in fire gold is tested" (Sir 2:2-5).
"There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials; but this is so that your faith, which is more precious than the passing splendor of fire-tried gold, may by its genuineness lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ appears" (1 Pt 1:6-7). "Count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial. Realize that when your faith is tested this makes for endurance" (Jas 1:2-3). "We should be grateful to the Lord our God, for putting us to the test" (Jdt 8:25).
| PRAYER: | Father, by Your grace, may I rejoice in my trials. (Pick out one and thank God for it.) |
| PROMISE: | "Whoever welcomes a child such as this for My sake welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me welcomes, not Me, but Him Who sent Me." –Mk 9:37 |
| PRAISE: | Practicing the Beatitudes, Robert rejoices when he encounters opposition from the ungodly (Mt 5:10-12). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College