We all hear things that we just don't want to believe because it turns out to be bad news? It's part of life. It's part of Scripture. I always thought two verses of the Bible stated the bad news for the unbeliever. The Gospel of Mattiyahu (Matthew) reads, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. Matt 12:30 (KJV). The Gospel of Yochanan (John) states, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 (KJV). Both of these verses state some pretty BAD NEWS for the Lost. O believe that the question is, how are we going to react once we receive the bad news? I often state that it is easy to hold strong to your faith in Yeshua (Jesus) when life is treating you well. And I just don't mean well during rare circumstances like winning a lottery. I believe it is easy to hold to your faith when everything is just status quo. Instead, it is when a true tribulation arises, whether the difficulties may be financial, physical, emotional or spiritual that, holding to that perfect faith in the Lamb becomes more and more difficult to maintain.
OK, it's testimony time...I know from my own behavior what it means to hear the bad news and go through tribulations. My health problem has turned out to be a disease called gastroparesis or stomach and intestines paralysis. While waiting for the final diagnosis I have been told by a gasteroenterologist in 2011 that I had moderate to severe cirrhosis of the liver. He made a false diagnosis, which I only confirmed this past week. Thus I had a "Crisis of Faith." This was where my first failure to God occurred, by not trusting in Him regardless of the circumstances. Instead, I was a shaken man. I can admit now that even though I never blamed or cursed God for giving me this life-ending illness. I was a shattered man and the daily nausea and vomiting was not helping any. It was just this past week that I was given both a piece of wonderful and terrible news. My current doctor has confirmed that the liver is not scarred, thus no cirrhosis. I am going to live! But I was also told that my gastroparesis condition has no cure, no treatment and there is zero chance of any new protocols for new drugs at this time. The one drug that worked turned out to be a dangerous starter of permanent Parkinson-like tremors that are for life. My wife and I decided to terminate the drug and I have gone back to the 24-hour nausea and vomiting. When the doctor confirmed the diagnosis I deduced that he was kind in telling me that I shall have "the stomach flu" everyday for the rest of my life. Again I did not question my "Crisis" and the reasons God has placed this "thorn in my flesh" I know it is a test of faith. A test of patience.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4 (KJV)
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:1-5 (KJV)As a conservative translator of Scripture (Biblical literalist), I believe that there is a purpose for my bad news and tribulations. Paul himself had a throrn in the flesh.
2 Cor 12:7-10 (KJV)
What it comes down to that I have two choices, God or man. Should I continue to trust man or put all your faith in God? For me it is a no-brainer, how is it for you?
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