Face To Face With Some Truths
Lee Padilla

In the midst of trials and tribulations we are often confronted with undeniable truths. These truths cannot be neglected, overlooked, or forgotten. They always require our attention. It is in times likes these that these truths stand out and prove our deepest convictions toward God and His church.

God Is Faithful

The Old Testament scriptures testify God's faithfulness towards the nation of Israel. His condition was that they also be faithful towards Him. We have these words recorded by Moses, "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments.... Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them" (Deut. 7:9, 11).

This same message is echoed throughout the New Testament scriptures. The apostle Paul pens these words repeatedly, "God is faithful" (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13), "Faithful is he" (1 Thes. 5:24), and "the Lord is faithful" (2 Thes. 3:3). Comprehending this truth brings us to our next point: tragedies and hardships, no matter how difficult, do not exempt us from our responsibility towards Him. As Christians, we are to be faithful towards God and do His commandments no matter the situation or circumstance. Life's pressures, constraints, and demands do not free us from obligations and duties God requires of us while on this earth.

Bearing One Another's Burdens

When we are touched by loss and injury, the mental and emotional stress it brings is often unbearable and overwhelming. At times, these emotions close the door on others. When this happens, we need to remember the brethren. Let them carry some of this load. The apostle Paul says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). Shunning ourselves from those who love us is a common mistake. Remember, we are God's family and in times like these, this family prays together and worships together. Observe the bond within the primitive church, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). Understanding this truth, we sum up this point that situations, no matter how stressful or emotional, do not free us from our responsibility towards the church. Yes, the brethren may not always understand our anxieties or feel our deepest pain, but it is our duty to fulfill the law of Christ by letting them bear some the burden.

Conclusion

These truths are not lessons easily learned especially when our convictions are being pushed to their limits. But if we are to be purged by them in order to grow in our Christian faith, then let it be so and commend our trust in Jesus our Lord.