THE GOAL OF HARDSHIPS: PART 4

GETTING THROUGH

THE VALLEYS OF HARDSHIPS

"Since we have these promises,

dear friends,let us purify ourselves

from everything that contaminates

body and spirit,

perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

Our Creator perfects holiness

1. By the Holy Spirit.

"But we ought always to thank God for you brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginnning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth."

2 Thessalonians 2.13

"And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3.18

"Being confident o fthis, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1.6

"Being renewed in the image of God in true holiness and righteousness." Ephesians 4.22-24.

The changes that take place in us in the midst of hardships are worked in us by the Holy Spirit. The good God works in us in everything that happens to us brings us greater realization of God"s glory and moves us more toward Who He is.

Our Creator perfects holiness

2. By the Scriptures.

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalms 119.9-11.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is usefuly for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3.16-17.

"You are cleansed by the word which I have spoken to you." John 15.3

"Sanctify them through the truth; Your Work is truth." John 17.17

"If you continue in My Word, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. " John 8.31-32

"...God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth....So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2. 13, 15

Scripture reading and meditation is a "must" for us. Perhaps begin with Psalm 119, eight verse units at a time, to meditate and begin to desire the 176 things God's Word does for us.

Our Creator perfects holiness

3. By faith.

"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11.5-6

So then, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10.17

"Faith and love spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you." Colossians 1. 5

Reading the Scriptures, especially in hardships, focuses our attention and thoughts on Who God is and what He does. The more clearly we see Him, the more hope, confidence, and faith we have in Him. The confidently and courageously we will obey His leadership. The more strength and power our lives will have. The more godly we will become. The more love, joy, and peace we will experience.

Our Creator perfects holiness

4. For present and eternal glory.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1.6-7

"Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

2 Peter 3.18

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and y His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2. 16-17

Our Creator has created us to live with Him forever. He has created all things for us to enjoy with Him forever. He has planned a rich welcome for us as we enter His eternal Kingdom, where we will marvel at His gloriousness for the coming ages of eternity.