Hi there,
So I have come to the conclusion, that there is worldly way of interpreting tribulation and there is a self-centered way of interpreting tribulation. What this means, is that the Word applies to all kinds of tribulation. Applying to all kinds of tribulation, we must understand that it is the Holy Spirit's priority, that determines whether we live or die, on the basis of that testing. If we are self-centered, when the Holy Spirit is asking us to focus on the World, then tribulation in the World will undermine us; if we are world centered, when the Holy Spirit is asking us to focus on ourselves, then tribulation in ourselves will undermine us. This is the nature of a Spirit that divides between flesh and spirit, blood and bone. What we must learn to do, is follow the Holy Spirit.
If we follow the Holy Spirit, then the tribulation can be diminished; diminishing tribulation does not mean that other contexts for tribulation are done away with, but in time, we will be ready to face them as well. There is power in this; it is the power of the Word. Just as Jesus said "if the Master of the House knew when the thief would come, he would have prepared himself, not to have his home broken into." so we must accept that we are weak because of tribulation and must wait on the Lord to shorten the days. In our minds, we may think identifying that tribulation is a weakness is enough - but in reality we should be praying that "we be counted worthy to escape the things that are to come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36). This gives us purpose, that unites us with God's Spirit concerning the end (to which we are all headed).
At the time the Holy Spirit reveals His Power, oppression will be burnt up, as in an oven, and finally broken. If broken, then we are no longer in bondage to tribulation, but must negotiate it, knowing that the better end is in the Lord. For this the Holy Spirit goes before us, to clear the Devil from the path, which we are to tread, out of tribulation. There will be a restraining angel, in place to keep men focused on the Lord, getting to know the Holy Spirit, is like getting to know a friend, you don't pretend what sort of behaviour that friend should have, you enjoy what they permit you to learn, as they do you. We ought to be reminded, that an open heart to the Holy Spirit, will serve us both well - and that the time for the Holy Spirit's final revelation is reserved for Heaven. Praying for the Holy Spirit's power and anointing to be poured out on those who will have lasting Christian significance in our lives, would be wise.
I hope this has been of some encouragement to you.
God bless.
So I have come to the conclusion, that there is worldly way of interpreting tribulation and there is a self-centered way of interpreting tribulation. What this means, is that the Word applies to all kinds of tribulation. Applying to all kinds of tribulation, we must understand that it is the Holy Spirit's priority, that determines whether we live or die, on the basis of that testing. If we are self-centered, when the Holy Spirit is asking us to focus on the World, then tribulation in the World will undermine us; if we are world centered, when the Holy Spirit is asking us to focus on ourselves, then tribulation in ourselves will undermine us. This is the nature of a Spirit that divides between flesh and spirit, blood and bone. What we must learn to do, is follow the Holy Spirit.
If we follow the Holy Spirit, then the tribulation can be diminished; diminishing tribulation does not mean that other contexts for tribulation are done away with, but in time, we will be ready to face them as well. There is power in this; it is the power of the Word. Just as Jesus said "if the Master of the House knew when the thief would come, he would have prepared himself, not to have his home broken into." so we must accept that we are weak because of tribulation and must wait on the Lord to shorten the days. In our minds, we may think identifying that tribulation is a weakness is enough - but in reality we should be praying that "we be counted worthy to escape the things that are to come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36). This gives us purpose, that unites us with God's Spirit concerning the end (to which we are all headed).
At the time the Holy Spirit reveals His Power, oppression will be burnt up, as in an oven, and finally broken. If broken, then we are no longer in bondage to tribulation, but must negotiate it, knowing that the better end is in the Lord. For this the Holy Spirit goes before us, to clear the Devil from the path, which we are to tread, out of tribulation. There will be a restraining angel, in place to keep men focused on the Lord, getting to know the Holy Spirit, is like getting to know a friend, you don't pretend what sort of behaviour that friend should have, you enjoy what they permit you to learn, as they do you. We ought to be reminded, that an open heart to the Holy Spirit, will serve us both well - and that the time for the Holy Spirit's final revelation is reserved for Heaven. Praying for the Holy Spirit's power and anointing to be poured out on those who will have lasting Christian significance in our lives, would be wise.
I hope this has been of some encouragement to you.
God bless.
