讀經:帖撒羅尼加前書第三章

默想:『我們受患難原是命定的。』(帖前3:3b) 

默想一:基督徒可避免世界來的患難嗎?不可能!患難對神的兒女不是倒霉事,因它不但不能動搖我們的信心,反會使我們的信心更堅固(羅8:36-39)。患難不僅證明我們信心的實在,也幫助我們除去生命中的渣滓(伯23:10)。患難是信心成長的必修课,也是認識上帝最好的神學院。 

默想二:為什麼基督徒受患難原是命定的?一方面是因為我們是屬神的國度而不屬這世界,當然會被世界所恨惡(約15:19);另一方面是神的美意,要藉著祂允許的患難操練我們的信心,讓我們在榮耀的國度裏享有永遠的福樂。信徒若有為主受苦的心志,就沒有甚麼能叫他跌倒的。患難對信心堅固的人反而是一種變相的祝福。 

禱告:天父上帝,稱謝袮愛的保證—常與我們同在。雖然有時我們因為信仰的緣故,受到排擠、誣告、逼迫,甚至有生命威脅。但感謝主,因袮能體恤我們的痛苦和軟弱,袮甘願為我們的罪受難受死。更感謝袮已經復活戰勝罪惡和死亡,你成了我們在患難中得勝的盼望。袮已經應許:『在世上你們有苦難,但你們可以放心,我已經勝了世界。』(約16:33)因為袮的得勝,我要永遠讚美袮,奉耶穌基督的名禱告。阿們! 

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3.

Insight:“For you know quite well that we are destined for them (trials).” (1Th 3:3b) 

Insight one: Can Christians in this world avoid from experiencing any trial? This is not the case! Trial is not a bad luck to God’s children, because it not just makes our faith unshakable, in addition, it can strengthen our faith (Rom 8:36-39). Tribulation not only proves the genuineness of our faith, but also helps us to remove the dross from our lives (Job 23:10). Trial is a required course for the growth of faith and the best seminary training toward knowing God. 

Insight two: Why are Christians destined for trials? On one hand, because we belong to the kingdom of God and not the world, we will of course be hated by this world (Joh 15:19); on the other hand, it is God’s good intention to exercise our faith through the trials He allows so we can enjoy eternal happiness in the glorious kingdom. If a believer has the mind to suffer for the Lord, nothing can make him/her fall. Tribulation is a blessing in disguise for those with strong faith. 

Prayer: God heavenly Father, thank You for your loving assurance – always be with us. Although because of our beliefs, sometimes we are excluded, falsely accused, persecuted, and our lives even be threatened, but thank the Lord, since You always empathize with our pain and weakness, and You are willing to suffer and die for our sins. Thank You even more for Your resurrection that has triumphed over sin and death. You have become our hope of victory in tribulations. You have promised: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Joh 16:33). Because of your victory, I will praise You forever. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! 

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