It is in the ordeal that we grow / 3

* Luís Alberto Alves

People feel angry at those who are still honest, like what is right. In countries of Muslim faith, Christians are killed, churches burned, women raped and children decapitated. The communist nations (China, Vietnam and Cuba) are not behind in this sad aspect of violence. Missionaries die when the authorities find out they preach the Word of the Lord.

In large corporations and universities, evangelicals are humiliated. Radical labels, just because they obey what is written in the Bible, live moments of solitude. So many men and women face the same difficulties. In the vision of this world, which lies in the evil one, good people are those who pass over the commandments written by God.

It is at this moment that the Christian needs to look up, where the Lord lives, to ask for wisdom and his sweet companionship. Life in the spirit world is considered a drop of dew when compared to eternity. So the few bad moments that the Christian goes through, that he or she never lose sight of the end of the race, where the great walk of eternity begins, in a place where God reigns supreme.

Our body will return to the dust, from which we leave one day, and the Spirit, created by God, returns to the hands of the creator. Catch the good fight. Do not be sad or disheartened with the fights. They will serve to make you stronger and more prepared. The important thing is to keep the crown of life firmly on the head. Do not trade it for nothing in this world. Everything here is fleeting. Eternity exists only in Heaven. It is worth marching and being part of this wonderful Army, whose general is Jesus Christ, who never lost and will never lose any battle.

God is the supreme commander who will never leave a warrior of his troops on the battlefield. He rescues, heals the wounds and keeps him standing. In moments of fierce battle, when you feel your strength fading slowly, pray to the Lord and ask Him to strengthen you. From the high heavens he will send the aid quickly, and everything will be well again. In the past, James wrote these recommendations to the 12 tribes of Israel. Today, these words are for all of us who accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives.

* Luís Alberto Alves is a pastor