In Romans 8:35-39, Paul lists some realities of life that can shake the faith of a believer. These include tribulation and distress, which manifest themselves today in the form of financial crisis and health issues. Others include covert and open persecution of believers, even in so-called secular nations professing freedom of religion and association. Nations of the world are also plagued with homelessness, famine and poverty, and we are faced with the peril of firearms and weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists. It takes being emboldened by the Holy Spirit and having the mind of Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, to hold the fort and lift up the banner of God’s kingdom. We should not be dismayed at the prevalence of these evil things because our Lord Jesus Christ already told us they would happen. Speaking in John 16:20&33, He said:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy ….. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Undergoing trials and tribulations is a part of our faith as Christ’s disciples. The Bible makes this clear to us in 2nd Timothy 3:12, which says:
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
Those who have gone ahead of us also passed through the same things, and some even had to pay the supreme price of their lives while upholding the faith. To finish strong like they did, we must believe and live by what the Holy Spirit says about us in Romans 8:37, which says:
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Are you passing through tough times? Does it seem as if the promises of God are not working out for you? I encourage you to cheer up and be strong. Don’t deny your Master and Lord because of tough times which will soon fade away. The Lord is speaking to you today through 1st Corinthians 15:58, saying:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vein in the Lord.”
Hold unto his word and remain unmovable from the straight and narrow way that leads to life. I pray that God will continue to strengthen and uphold you in Jesus’ Name.
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.