The Importance of Being Prepared with the Gospel of Peace

Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Let all who wear the name of Jesus Christ get this shoe of preparation on and keep it on to be ready to follow the call of God's providence, even if it leads to suffering. Suffer for Him now to reign with Him later. He dwells in the heart by faith, and grace in the soul gives the heart a new character; the soul is alive to God and has begun its holy joy, which shall endure forever. The righteousness of Jesus Christ secures the soul from death. From this, we see how much we must walk after the Spirit, not after the flesh. The Holy Spirit regenerates the soul by bringing in a new and Divine life, even in a weak condition.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.

This verse is a powerful directive. The Lord gives us the fruits of His mercy every day. We should give of ourselves all that we are, all we have, and all we can do.

Wading through Troubles in True Peace, Joy, and Cheerfulness.

Hebrews 11:33-34 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

How sincere are you in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ? Examine and set your heart and spirit right to be steadfast with God. Pray for a suffering spirit, for Christ's sake. Plead earnestly with God for this gift because suffering work does not come into our minds naturally. The flesh loves to be pampered, not crucified. If He leads you into a trial, He stands ready to carry you through it.

James 1:2-5 (ISV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Consider the troubles you might face and work through your response based on God's promises. Be confident in the haven of His promises long before sufferings come so you can readily walk through them in peace. We should not pray so much for the removal of difficulties and afflictions as for wisdom to use them correctly.

Accept God's will daily. In the morning, entrust your whole heart and ways in God's hands. In the evening, look back and see how perfectly God has kept you in that trust. If you do experience disappointment, watch for God to fill that emptiness. Do not rest until God's name has been fully vindicated in your heart. Keep a close reign on your thoughts.

Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and God.

Be Prepared for Trials

The Gospel of Peace prepares the believer for suffering. Walk over these rocky paths of life with shoes prepared by Jesus Christ so that the obstacles are never much felt.

Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace and sleep for Thou Lord, only make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.