Tag: Jesus second coming

  • Philippians 1:6 

    “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6 

    The church in Philippi began through hardship. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned, yet out of that suffering, God brought forth a faithful and committed church. This church became a source of great joy for Paul, not only because of their faith, but because their good fruits were evident. Their generosity, their support for other churches, and their commitment to Paul’s missionary work spoke loudly of the Holy Spirit’s work among them.

    In our own lives, there are moments when we feel overlooked by church leaders, as if others receive more attention and care. I’ve struggled with that question myself, “Why do they seem to care less about me?” But then someone reminded me: it’s because they see God at work in your life. His presence is evident, and His Spirit is guiding you. We know that God is always with you. Just as Paul saw in the Philippians, leaders sometimes trust God’s hand in us more than we realize. Their confidence is not just in us, but in God’s faithfulness to keep working in and through us.

    Paul didn’t stay in Philippi long, nor did he visit them often. Yet he carried great assurance, because he knew that this church was not built on him, but on God Himself. Their walk with God was genuine, and their lives were pleasing to the Lord. That’s why Paul encouraged them with this truth that the One who began the good work in them “the Holy Spirit” would continue His work until the day of Christ’s return.

    And I share that same confidence with you. Whatever you are struggling with, if you willingly lay it at the feet of Jesus, He will keep working in it until He completes the work He began. We may forsake God at times, but He always remains faithful. Always remember, if He was willing to take our place and die on the cross for us, what good thing would He withhold from us now? So put your confidence not in yourself, not in others, but in God. Because He is the One who is faithfully working in you.

  • Romans 8:18

    “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

    When Paul wrote this, Christians were severely persecuted across Asia, including Rome. Rome crucified our Lord Jesus, killed some of the apostles, and even beheaded Paul. Yet Apostle Paul encourages us, not to focus on our present troubles, but on the promise of God.

    Following Jesus doesn’t mean we’re spared from suffering. Nowhere in the Bible did Jesus promise a pain-free life. The only time He promises no more suffering is in Revelation, when we dwell with Him, He will wipe every tear from our eyes.

    Until then, while we are in this world but not of it, we will face suffering because wickedness and iniquity abound. Scripture says creation itself is groaning. It’s like going against the pull of gravity, walking against the current of the world is costly. It may mean losing friends, family, jobs, and even opportunities. 

    Walking with Jesus, we must endure much. We have to love and forgive those who despise us and hurt us.

    We have to continue to kill our desires.

    We have to keep sharing Jesus with others despite mocking, persecution, and hatred.

    We have to keep running the race.

    Be encouraged, we are not alone. Jesus is with us. His love sustains us, His peace reigns in our hearts, and His joy gives us strength. He has prepared a place for us, and when He returns in His glory, it will far outweigh the pain of today. And we will be with Him forever.