Gabriel Agbo | No cross, no crown

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in as much as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12 (KJV)

IF YOU want a crown, then carry the cross! One of the things that will make you a balanced Christian is the ability to always look beyond any trials to see God’s ultimate purpose for your life. As we already know, Christianity is not the absence of trials, but the determination to tenaciously hold unto God, even in the face of life-threatening situations, believing that they will ultimately usher us into a greater level of glory and blessings.

And this takes us to the message of the cross and the crown. The cross is a symbol of suffering, affliction, sorrow and sacrifice, while crown is a symbol of victory, royalty, completion, reward, success and perfection. Now, it is in God’s character to allow His children to go through some difficult experiences that will help mould them into what He wants them to be. The Bible already told us that we are like clay in the hands of the potter. The potter uses different instruments to get the clay to his desired products. Some are to beat the clay, some to sharpen it, while others are to smoothen and put it into shape, etc.

The clay also comes in contact with the fire and water, just to get out the final product that will serve the pleasure of the potter. And this is how we are in the hands of God. One of the instruments that God uses to mould us is the trial of faith. It can come as persecution, suffering, sacrifice, loss, lack, mockery, betrayal, denial, etc. However and whenever it comes, the most important thing is that God wants to work out something good in your life, and also bring out his glory.

Please, I’m not saying here that all afflictions are trials of faith, No! We must always try to find out each time where our problem is coming from; whether it is of God or just an attack from the enemy. If it is an attack, you repel it. If it is your mistake, correct it. But, if it is God, there is not much anybody can do about it. You just have to ask Him for the grace to walk through it. You ask Him for the grace to learn what He wants to teach you through the trial. This is very important because any counter prayer in the later circumstance (trial period) will always amount to nothing, until God finishes His work on you.

Now, do you know why so many Christians backslide and leave faith when they meet difficult situations? It is simply because of lack of a solid foundation. They were not thoroughly prepared to face the persecution that will always come with salvation. They would want all the blessings of God, but not the trials and persecution. Yes, Jesus said we will receive many folds of blessings, but with persecution. Today’s Christians want all the blessings of Abraham, but not with his trials. When they meet the trials, it is either they back out completely or they begin to compromise their faith. But this is not how God intends it.

God wants us to go through these trials faithfully and come out victorious and promoted. He had already told us that He will never allow us to face any situation that will be above us. That simply means that we are equal to any situation that comes to us. We already have the in-built capacity, capabilities and also His word to help us go through trials successfully. He wants us to go through those difficult times still loyal, holy, focused and faithful, so that, at the end, we will receive our due reward. Listen to Him, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5: 10 (KJV) Yes, He will settle you! God settles people. There is always a reward for every trial. After the cross comes the crown. Be strong! Let’s continue next week. Share this message. God bless you!

Rev Gabriel Agbo is an author. Email: gabrielagbo@yahoo.com