Peace as we persevere in faith

In the first reading, the leaders exhort the disciples to persevere in faith

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,
"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the Kingdom of God."

Why is it necessary to undergo hardships? Why do we face difficulties and challenges in life?

I believe this is God’s way of purifying us. Like silver being purified by fire (See related reflection http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2011/12/refiner-and-purifier-of-silver.html), or probably, like Job’s story, the enemy wants to test us and God is just allowing him as long as he does not take our life, because God knows we can withstand it, God knows we are faithful.

Jesus is not of the world, that’s why the world hates him. In the gospel, he says that the ruler of the world is coming, but quickly says that that rules has no power over Jesus. He may not be of the world, but the enemy still has no power over him. Jesus died, not because the enemy won, but because He loved the Father so much and subjected Himself to the will of God.

In the same way Jesus was subjected to worldly hardships, as disciples of Jesus, we should not be surprised if we experience the same. However, we should act like Jesus, who remained faithful to God till the end, even when it was hard to. In the gospel, Jesus gives us peace – peace amidst all the trials in life, peace that comes only from Him, peace that the world does not understand. As we pray, as we have faith, we will get the peace of Christ that is beyond all human understanding (Philippians 4:6-7 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A6-7&version=NLT)

What is the one thing that is troubling me right now? Why is it bothering me? Do i believe that God is victorious and will be with me as I face life’s challenges? When experiencing challenges, do I persevere in faith?  Do I pray for faith and for God’s peace as I face life’s challenges? What can I do to strengthen my faith?

Have a peaceful day, knowing God is on our side!

In Christ,

 - g -