Walking Through the Fire
When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
-Acts 14:21-22 (ESV, emphasis added)
As I read this passage I can envision myself walking through the fires of this world’s tribulation and in the moment that my heart beats it’s last, I step from the fire to gaze on the beauty of heaven and the glory of God. This helps me to realize that death is a beautiful thing and reminds me that, though life is hard, the reward for believers is eternal and satisfying. Paul understood this better than anyone, his life was full of trials and in the midst of them he was continually looking toward his heavenly reward.
[tag]Paul[/tag] was stoned in Lystra, thought to be dead (by the Jews), and left to rot outside the city. Now, Paul has returned to encourage the believers in the very city where he was stoned. His message is simple but encouraging, “through many [tag]tribulations[/tag] we must enter the kingdom of God.” These are pretty powerful words from a man who had recently endured so much.
I think the key to walking through trails of any kind is to have our eyes fixed on what lies beyond them, namely [tag]heaven[/tag]. When [tag]Peter[/tag] stepped out of the boat with his eyes fixed on [tag]Jesus[/tag] he was fine, but as soon as the wind and water clouded his vision he began to sink. It’s like running a marathon, you set your eyes ahead (toward the finish line) and you run, totally disregarding your fatigue and your competition.
But, the [tag]race[/tag] of life is different. In life we race, and as we fatigue we are infused with strength to endure by the [tag]Holy Spirit[/tag]. When we finish this race we don’t end with tired and worn bodies, instead we enjoy perfect heavenly ones.
In my experience life is a difficult race with more [tag]trials[/tag] than I care to admit or acknowledge. But, in my estimation (according to God’s word) these trails will end, along with my life, at a destination more glorious than I can conceive. In that instant, the arms that have lifted me up for so long will embrace me in a perfect moment of love, satisfaction and eternal fulfillment.
I certainly love this life on earth with my family and friends, but my heart can’t help looking forward to that first day of the rest of my [tag]eternal life[/tag] with Jesus.
The lyrics to a Rodney Adkins song come to mind:
If you’re going through [trails]
Keep on going, Don’t slow down
If you’re scared, don’t show it…
Note: Lyric edited by the author
December 16th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
I find myself going through the fire all the time! I have to say that I get off track alot! But God knocks me down on my face, and I slowly get back up!
David