Remember The Lord
Welcome! If you’re seeking encouragement as you reflect on past years and prepare for the future, Pastor Abel Rivera’s sermon, “Remember The Lord (1),” offers deep insight and hope for anyone who has experienced pain, disappointment, or uncertainty. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the core teachings, rooted in Scripture, and share practical attitudes to help believers triumph during life’s toughest trials.
Facing Trials: Not If, But When
Each year presents unpredictable challenges—financial struggles, broken relationships, missed opportunities, and even the loss of loved ones. Pastor Abel Rivera reminds us that these trials are a part of everyone’s journey, regardless of how carefully we plan. As believers, the real question is: How do we respond when life gets difficult?
Drawing from 1 Peter 4:12-19, the message is clear: Don’t be surprised when fiery trials come. Instead, expect them. Scripture doesn’t promise an easy life, but it does promise that suffering for the sake of Christ has purpose and meaning.
Biblical Encouragement: Scars and Strength
Pastor Abel shares from personal experience, acknowledging the scars left by past years and the struggles that feel crushing. Yet, Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8 offer comfort:
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.”
This teaches us that, though we will suffer, it never has the final word. Affliction may confuse us, but we are not to give up hope. Why? Because Christ Himself endured suffering, offering us both example and strength.
Lessons from Peter’s Life
The story of Peter, woven throughout the New Testament, parallels the lives of all believers:
Peter experienced family dynamics, work struggles, leadership challenges, and even the pain of denying Christ.
He also tasted forgiveness, embraced a new ministry, and saw firsthand the cost of faithfulness under persecution.
In Christian tradition, Peter’s final exhortation to his wife, as she was led to martyrdom, was simply: “Remember the Lord.” These words anchor the sermon’s central theme.
Our struggles don’t merely reflect our flaws—they remind us of our desperate need for Christ and the depth of His mercy.
Three Essential Attitudes for Enduring Trials
1. Expect Trials
Scripture prepares believers for testing, purging, and cleansing, not as punishment but as proof of genuine faith. Acts 14:22 and 1 Peter 1:7 remind us that suffering for Christ’s sake is part of entering God’s Kingdom. When we endure with trust, we discover the reality and strength of our faith.
2. Rejoice in Suffering
It sounds impossible, but both Peter and Paul insist on this surprising response. Peter says,
“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's suffering, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”
By sharing in Christ’s sufferings, believers become true partners with Him—partakers not only in pain, but in the joy and reward that follows. Our reward is not fleeting, but eternal.
3. Entrust Your Life to God
To entrust means to “deposit for safekeeping.” Peter urges us to place our souls in the hands of our faithful Creator, even in suffering, and continue doing good. God is not distant; He is fully aware of our needs and watches over us with unwavering love.
Why Suffering Matters: Christ’s Declarations
The sermon reminds us why following Jesus is worth enduring any hardship. Jesus made bold claims in the Book of John:
“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
“I am the door of the sheep.” (John 10:7)
“I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
“I am the true vine.” (John 15:1)
If we trust in Jesus’ identity and promises, how can we not accept what Scripture says about enduring trials for His name?
Eternal Perspective: Momentary Afflictions, Eternal Glory
Paul calls suffering “light, momentary affliction” compared to “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Each trial pushes us to look beyond earthly pain to eternal hope—a hope promised to all who stay faithful through difficulty.
Final Encouragement: Remember The Lord
As you step into uncertain times, let Pastor Abel’s final prayer encourage your soul:
“Thank you, Lord, that you are my refuge and my strength in hard times and an ever-present helper in times of trouble … Your grace is sufficient.”
Remember the Lord—in pain, in joy, in every moment. No matter what you face, entrust your life to your faithful Creator and receive the hope reserved for all who persevere.
If you found this post helpful, share it with others looking for biblical encouragement. Let the Word of God and the wisdom from Pastor Abel Rivera’s message anchor your faith as you prepare for whatever lies ahead.
