Behind the Curtain of RevelationSample

Day Two- Overcoming Trials By Trusting Jesus

Read Revelation 3:14-22

On day one we learned that Jesus is victorious and holds the keys over death and the grave, right now! And yet, the world we are living in is struggling with confusion and trouble. Most of us are currently working through some kind of difficulty at this present hour. So how do we reconcile what we see in front of us, with what we see in Revelation of a victorious Jesus? The great news is, things are not only as they seem. Pause for just a moment and say that last sentence out loud, “Things are not only as they seem.” There is more going on than what we are able to see with our eyes. Behind the curtain of this world stands our victorious Lord Jesus Christ, and although it is true that the war has already been won, we are still fighting in a battle.

One of the stickiest sermon outlines I have ever heard said, “Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment! (Rick Warren preached it and I’ve never forgotten it). It is a test because we must overcome many trials and difficulties. It is a trust because we must choose to follow God’s voice over the enemy’s voice and be faithful in every decision. It is a temporary assignment, and we will never have another opportunity to defeat sin, lead others to Christ, and win the victory over darkness than in this life! Without a test there will be no testimony. Overcoming trials and tribulations is one of the greatest ways God builds our faith and character to be like Christ. Trials come in all shapes and sizes: there are physical, relational, spiritual, cultural, and even trials in our churches. But because we have faith in our Lord Jesus who has already overcome, we too can learn to trust Him and to overcome the challenges that we face.

As you read the letter to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22, take note of the different elements of the letter and the purpose for each part. Jesus begins with a self description designed to renew their trust in Him. And in verse 17, He tells them that they do not see their real condition. They needed reminding, just as we do, that there is no blindness so deep as those who will not see! They needed to look into the mirror, because they needed to wake up and overcome their challenges. Verses 19 and 20 tell them to turn from their indifference and open the door to let Jesus in. If they are victorious and if they overcome this trial, they will sit with Jesus and they will know how to rule well. Wow! Their ability to give leadership would be forged through them passing their tests. What tests are you facing right now, and how can you overcome them by faith in our victorious Lord Jesus? Choose to trust Jesus and to follow in His way, and remember this life is the only opportunity you will ever have to gain victory over the darkness.

Reflection

Read Revelation 3:14-22 and let Jesus give you the strength to persevere through your trials. Develop your story and your testimony by trusting in Jesus to pass your tests.

Write down three ways you feel you are currently being tested right now. Ask the Lord for the wisdom you need to persevere by faith and overcome each one.