For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. (Mark 9:49)
Have you ever asked God, why is life so difficult? Why the mental, physical and spiritual hardships? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do the wicked seem to live rich and experience exponential abundance and enjoyment?
God reminds us that Jesus was called the suffering Servant. He reminds us that the pleasures of sin are for a moment. He reminds us that we are not of this world though we are in it. He reminds us that those who do not know Jesus are blinded by Satan and that they are under his rule, as we once were. The devil will feed your flesh with the things of this world long enough to deceive you and keep you from the knowledge God. God reminds us that the battle is His and not ours. We are warriors of His, but it’s His battle.
A warrior doesn’t have an easy life, but rather a strong one. A warrior will have the last laugh as he enjoys the victory at the end of his battle. During the battle of life we are tempted to look at the enemy’s lures and be tempted with earthly riches and sensual lusts but remember that to us is given the crown of life in eternity. Look up for your redemption draws nigh. From whence comes my help? All my help comes from the Lord. Jesus said we would suffer for His sake. He said they hated Him so they’ll hate us. Rejoice for soon and very soon we are going to see the King of kings.
Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid. What ever you are going through today know that God is in control and that you are being seasoned with fire. Fire purifies and makes fully ready for His glory and His good. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord sees them out of them all. We will come out pure and not smelling like smoke nor scorched because the Son of God is with us while we are being purified. Do not despise the season you are in right now for it is preparing you for the greatest chapter ever written in the book of your life.
Before Joseph reached the throne, He went through time in prison. Before Paul was used to write much of the New Testament, he was blinded and dealt with and then he met Jesus. Before David ever ruled over Israel, he had to confront Goliath and defeat him. Before Moses was to lead the people of Israel and be a foreshadow of Jesus, he had to leave the pleasures and comforts of the Egyptian court. Before Jesus entered into eternal bliss with the Father, he had to endure unthinkable torture and take our sins on His back on the Cross.
With all that is happening to you right now, know that you are in good company and your prize is greater than your pain!
Be bold, be strong for the Lord thy God is with thee!
The Teaching Ministry of Michael Cannatello
