AFTER a long and terrifying captivity, Iranian hostage Gary Lee was home. It was a Sunday morning in February 1981, and I joined with the others in his father"s church to welcome hi. Celebration filled the air as joyful voices sang "Amazing Grace." From my seat I noticed the bearded young man smile and shake his head as though in wonder at the miracle of his safe return.
Months earlier, however, he had experienced another miracle. Shortly after his capture he was allowed to have a Bible and one day he read Isaiah 43:5: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west."
"When I read those words," he told his father later, "I felt God was making me a promise. Somehow I knew I would reach home safely. The whole experience became a lot easier after that."
How much lighter trials become when we realize God"s grace is twofold. It is not only the happy ending. It is also the peace we can feel during a painful journey, when we trust in God -- all the way.
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs -- he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor"s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hard working farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God"s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him
He will also disown us;
If we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Acts 6:8; 7:55-60; Romans 5:1-5