"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory..." 2 Corinthians 4.17
Paul knew the meaning of affliction very well.
His Christian life was marked by tribulations. And yet, he considered them light and but for a moment.
Because he was spiritual, he knew that even though afflictions may be very difficult, they are nothing compared to what God has in store for His faithful servants.
It is worth bearing all the bumps in the road of life and maintaining the faith.
"...having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck." 1 Timothy 1.19
Sin brings on a bad conscience. A bad conscience brings on doubt. Doubt neutralizes faith, which brings on death.
Many have had their faith suffer shipwrecks because they rejected a good conscience.
Those who prize their salvation maintain their faith and a good conscience.
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3.20-21
The power of the Lord Jesus exceeds everyone's understanding. It is impossible to imagine it. Therefore, it is essential to trust in His promises and not complain, whine or grumble about the time we think they are taking to happen in our lives.
The complaints made in the dessert caused the old Israel to loose 40 years and not see the Promised Land.
I think the secret to being a winner is to have faith in His promises and know how to wait.
"Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you." Psalm 128.1-2
Fear and obedience of His Word are the secret to happiness.
Fear of God is respect, consideration, zeal, reverence and devotion to the Almighty, Eternal and Sovereign Lord God.
This behavior, summed to the practice of His Word, inevitably equals His consideration towards the faithful.
"Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised."
Songs 8.7
Even if a man gave all of his wealth in exchange for love, it would not be enough. There is nothing in this world that can be exchanged for true love...
Only the Holy Spirit can guide us in the direction of pure and sincere love because He is love.
Therefore, those who want to love and be loved must first seek and receive the Spirit of love.
"O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You, incline Your ear to my cry." Psalm 88.1-2
The deeper the well, the closer you will be to God.
Not that He lives there...
but when someone finds themselves in this situation, there is no one they can really count on. Despair brings humbleness, sincerity, surrender and, above all, complete dependence on Him. That is how it was in that past and that is how it is nowadays.
"Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." Proverbs 19.14
In other words, parents may even give their children the riches of this world. However, a wife that is wise, prudent and a suitable helper is only possible when there is an interference from the Lord.
The wise man will seek a soul mate that is from the Lord.
