Daniel Higginbotham

The Scripture has a very different approach to dealing with trials and tribulation. Over and over we are called to rejoice even in the midst of suffering. Why? Because no matter what we face in this life, Jesus has overcome the world. Through our faith in Him a day is coming free from death, suffering, and pain where we will rest in His presence forever

A few reminders tonight:
1. Jesus tells us in this world we will have tribulation. He encourages us to rejoice because He has overcome the world. (John 16:33)
2. James writes that we should rejoice when we face trials because we know it’s producing a faith that perseveres. (James 1:2-3)
3. Paul writes for us to always rejoice, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Tonight I want to remind every brother and sister in Christ: God is using all things (yes even this) for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28)

It seems like in this day and age there is an abundance of things to fear. COVID, political unrest, the threat of unemployment, social upheaval, the list seems endless. In a world where the only thing that seems certain is that nothing is certain, fear can be a real struggle.

Through my faith in Christ my fears don’t suddenly melt away but through His love, kindness, and faithfulness, I learn to trust Jesus. My faith is being refined. I am learning perseverance. I am experiencing peace that passes all understanding. It’s here in the presence of God through faith in Jesus that I find mercy, grace, and rest (Hebrews 4:16 | Matthew 11:28).

Remember:
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.3-5.NLT

Jesus has all power over sickness, death, and anything in creation. The God whom I serve is able to do the impossible, far more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). The most miraculous transformation and healing isn’t physical, its spiritual. Only Jesus can take the outcast, the worst society has to offer, and give new life, forgiveness, and restoration.

At the cross we see God’s love and humanity’s sin collide. Here the perfect, sinless Son of God gave His life freely out of God’s incredible love for humanity to purchase our lives and free us from our sin (John 3:16). Although death thought it had defeated Him on the cross, three days after His crucifixion Jesus arose conquering death, hell and the grave in the process (1 Corinthians 15:55).

Today my greatest hope is that you would know death is not the end of the story. Eternity awaits and every man, woman, and child will stand before Christ. To those who trust in Jesus as Lord we will enter into God’s peace, rest, and life in eternity. For those who reject Jesus they will spend eternity apart from Jesus in a place of darkness, torment, and destruction.

Someone is going to pay for your sins… is it going to be Jesus or is it going to be you?