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Written by Karoline Diogo, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Campo Grande, Brazil
Beloved, I recently heard the phrase, “The good news is that there is oil for all of us, until Jesus returns!” Reflecting on this phrase, I read Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the 10 Virgins. This parable helps us to have hope in Christ’s return and to know if we are prepared for this event.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an individual decision. We can’t overflow with the Spirit and give a little to others. It’s a personal decision; God does not decide for us.
Like the virgins, we can analyze our Christian life—whether it’s on track or off. I often ask myself, and I ask you all so we can reflect together: What Christian life are we leading? How do we know if we are ready for Christ’s return? Matthew 24:36-37 says that we don’t know the day nor the hour, but the days will be like those of Noah: People were so consumed with worldly pursuits that they had no thoughts about the consequences God would impose. Have we already reached those days?
To be prepared we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, who is the fuel for our Christian life.
In Acts, we can see that a person who is filled with the Holy Spirit is fruitful, takes pleasure in serving the Lord, has a joyful life, is a promoter of peace and communion in the church, and has a powerful life before God and men.
In Luke 21:34-36, we read about the constant care we must have with our life and to look at our walk. We must be careful that no matter what happens in our life, we don’t lose our focus: CHRIST. Verse 36 tells us to be attentive and praying. Often with the rush of everyday life, we forget to take care of our spiritual life and we lose the way of salvation!
In Hebrews 12:14, we see that we need the process of sanctification to see the Lord. Being holy means being farther and farther away from sin and closer to God, focused on practicing the Word of God. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul speaks a little about how Christ sanctifies the church. Beloved, our hope in the things of God and in eternity is infinitely greater than the expectations of things of this world.
Read Revelation 21:1-14. This has to be our true hope! What is being prepared for us is incomparable to anything on this earth. Our expectations must be in eternity (Rom. 8:18).
Today I want to encourage you. Many of us don’t know the true meaning of hope, and when something bad happens we become discouraged with God. Revelation 3:8 is an encouragement for us to keep the Word of the Lord and practice it, just like in James 1:22, which tells us to not be just hearers, but doers. Our faith must be unshakeable in the face of opposition.
When thinking about a wedding like that in the parable, the following reflection came to me: “What is the entrance of a bride like?” Everyone wants to see her, but in reality, the bride wants to see the groom and the groom wants to see the bride! Did you get that? May we not lose our hope in Christ and when He comes, like the bride, may we be prepared and long see Jesus as He is. May we keep our hope alive and may we exalt Him on that day with much joy! Stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you” (Phil. 3:1 NIV).
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Written by Claudia Pérez, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Alabama
What happens when a Christian and her faith are tested in times of struggle? Who has not experienced difficult situations? Truth be told, we have all had struggles at some point. In those moments of uncertainty, we ask ourselves, “Why me? What should I do with this struggle?” instead of asking ourselves, “Why is this happening to me? What am I going to learn from this?” or even “Why does God allow us to have these struggles?” Maybe we think that in our lives as His daughters, we will only have paths that are filled with light and that are colorful and beautiful.
The reality, however, is that it is through these struggles that the Lord's purpose is fulfilled in our lives. A global pandemic showed us this.
Two years ago, many of us fought a fight that completely changed our lifestyle. Locked up, without contact with each other, grandchildren were looking for a way to hug their grandparents through transparent curtains, masks, and gloves. Screens became the only contact in the family, school, and work. All physical contact was prohibited. The church was affected worldwide. And in that struggle, many of us asked, “Why, Lord?”
In those moments of struggle, many forgot the word of the Lord, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Rom. 8:35 KJV).
In those moments of struggle where our God tested our faith, many became stronger, and sadly, others went astray. Two years ago, I was in a hospital in Mexico in the COVID area, isolated from everything and everyone. The only thing that sustained me was my faith; that faith that makes us strong in our weaknesses and that hope of eternal life. I was trusting that my spiritual family was praying for me. It was not an easy fight. There were weeks of strengthening myself in the Only One who can make us strong. These were weeks of uncertainty, and it was in those moments when the word of God strengthened me. Without access to anything, with nurses and doctors that God put in my path, and with confidence in the promises of the Lord in my mind, I remembered those hymns of encouragement, strength, hope, and trust.
I remembered the words of the apostle Paul,
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's” (Ro. 14:8).
The day finally came when the will of the Lord was fulfilled and I left that place, more strengthened than when I entered, with the sole purpose of continuing to fulfill His command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). In those moments of struggle my faith grew even more.
I remembered 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Clinically, my diagnosis was not encouraging at all. But the Lord says, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Ps. 42:11).
Maybe you are going through a struggle right now. Ask yourself, “What am I living this for?” Remember that He will complete His work in you. God has a purpose for our lives. And, it is through struggles that our faith is tested by fire. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1Pe. 1:7).
So, if you are going through a difficult time, I invite you to trust Him, honor and glorify Him who can do everything in everything— because when we are weak, then we are strong.