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Standing on the Promises of God That Hurt

Writer's picture: Brian DoyleBrian Doyle

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."-John 16:33 Many of us like hearing promises that uplift and encourage us. Heck, some of us memorize nothing but these promises so we can, as the song says, stand on them. Yet there are promises in Scripture that are not uplifting, and, at times, may not seem encouraging (such as the one above). We're promised trouble? We're promised persecutions? How is this encouraging? How am I supposed to stand on this?

Short answer: we're not supposed to stand on those promises. We're supposed to use these to stand upon Christ. We are not enough. We are not sufficient. We can't get through trials and tribulations on our own strength. God does not think we're strong enough. We're not, but HE is! As I read the whole of Scripture, there's no easy path to glory. Even David went through them, a lot, and he was a man after God's own heart (And, admittedly, many of the trials he faced were of his own making). These promises of trial and trouble are not merely to stretch us out, but to assure us that God is fighting our battles, and that He has the victory, even should we fall and die in this life. It all points back to God's glory. Stand upon Christ, the solid rock, and your foundation will stay firm. 1 Peter 4 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.


The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.


Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And


“If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”


Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.


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