Trials & Temptations lead to Crown of Life

Transcript

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Trials & Temptations . . . lead to Crown of Life

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James 1:2-4; 12

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In the beginning . . .

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A family started well and the couple was blessed with four sons. They depicted a respected Christian family that every member of their community endeared.Suddenly, strife broke out as the wealth of the family declined. Invariably, this deteriorated into a divorce, which upset the children’s careers in diverse ways.

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Jones: There is no reason we should conflict, if indeed we cherish this family.Betty: I don’t care, I can live without you. You’re not deserving of me and I have wasted almost 3 decades of my life with you. You may leave and be sure you can’t find anyone better than me.Jones: Parting ways will cause much distress for us all. We can avoid this if we reconcile and determine to make it work.Betty: I am not interested, go your way and I will sort myself out. I am done with you.

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Reconciliatory efforts. . .

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Friends, family and Church leaders tried to resolve the situation, but to no avail. Betty felt strongly that she had been marginalized and was unwilling to accept reconciliation.

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Pastor Abraham: We have known your family for two decades and this is not a good testimony for church leaders.Betty: I have resolved that I don’t want him in my business, he has set me back enough.Deaconess Violet: This matter does not warrant dissolving your marriage. I know of worse situations that were resolved.Betty: Ma, thank you. I have given such a long rope, I cannot continue in the illusion that things will change, Let him go his way and I will find my level.

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Divorce proceedings . . .

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One fateful February morning, Betty woke Jones up from sleep about 3.40 am and stirred up controversy, which resulted in her throwing his belongings outdoors into the snowy winter.Jones sought to God’s face and fervently prayed for a way out. Finding the home unbearable, he decided to relocate to restart life elsewhere.He filed divorce in the County Circuit Court and was granted with settlement terms to pay Child Support on the last son who is a minor.

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Judge: This is a “no fault” State so if you both decide that you are no longer compatible to live as husband and wife, the Court will grant your request and issue a Consent Divorce Order. Do you feel this relationship is irreconcilable?Jones: Yes, I do.Betty: Yes, I do.Judge: I hereby declare this marriage dissolved and both of you are free to continue your life separately ensuring that you comply with the Consent Order granted this day. Case closed!

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Redemption path. . .

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Jones sought to God’s face and fervently prayed for a way out. Finding the State unbearable, he decided to relocate to restart life elsewhere.In the course of this escape route, he met a childhood heartthrob who had been widowed for almost 10 years. They opened conversation and found they synced in working for God in Ministry.

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Jones: I’m sorry I just heard you are bereaved. I hope you are coping well nurturing your children. I’m glad to hear they are all thriving. Glory to God.Frances: I’m grateful to God. It was tough initially, however, God is faithful. I now lead a Ministry along with my career. We are doing good, praise God. By the way, I wondered where you were since our youthful daysJones: Life has come with its twist and turns, however, thank God I’m still standing. Would you consider us getting married and doing the work of Ministry together?Frances: Indeed, didn’t envisage I could find anyone to love, though, I have been praying to God to send me help especially regarding the Ministry. Let’s commit it to God and ask for His will to be done.Jones: I agree with you to prayerfully consider this step and as we progress, we will discern the will of God. I love you and will be glad to spend the rest of my life with you.Frances: Same here, we just have to blend our two families – 8 children, wow! God will help us.

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The Crown of Life. . .

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After a couple of years of courtship and harmonizing the children together, Jones and Frances decided to get married and they collaborated to intensify the Kingdom Ministry, which grew in leaps and bounds across many nations. Also, all the 8 children bonded very well and went on to flourish in their respective careers. God also added to them an adorable daughter who kept them busy as they grew older.One bright Summer evening, they were on their yacht floating in the shores of Tampa, FL, when Jones saw Frances glued to a Daily Devotional and he curiously asked her what wrapped her attention.She turned over the passage to him and they both read it aloud . . .

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Jones & Frances (in unison): “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything . . . 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:2-4, 12).Joyfully they hugged and kissed thanking God for seeing them through their respective Trials and Tribulations.