Tribulation is the Gift of God

FROM THE PEN OF WILLIAM TYNDALE (1494-1536)

Matthew 5:10

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

II Corinthians 2:9

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 

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TRIBULATION IS THE GIFT OF GOD

 The Spirit, through tribulation purges us and kills our fleshly wit, our worldly understanding and belly-wisdom, and fills us full of the wisdom of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Is this not a comfortable word? Would you choose and desire to be blessed with Christ in a little tribulation than to be cursed perpetually with the world for a little pleasure?

Tribulation for righteousness is not a blessing only, but a gift that God gives to only His special friends. Tribulation makes us feel the goodness of God, His help and the goodness of God.

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Excerpted from The Works of the English Reformers:  William Tyndale and John Firth (Thomas Russell, Editor, 1831)

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