The Church’s view of itself often has little to do with reality. The idea that we are to be overcomers called through tribulation to intimacy is quite foreign to current teaching fashion. It doesn’t sound positive or uplifting. But it is a major part of the Lord’s plan.

Overcomers called through tribulation to intimacy

“God is using the world to hammer out a Bride. They crucified Jesus. Do you think we are going to have any more glorious ending? Don’t worry; we will have to know something of the fellowship of the sufferings and defeat of the Bridegroom. He went home in shame and disgrace, without the applause and satisfaction of the world; He went out in darkness. Do you think the Bride is going home on a bandwagon? A lot of people are trying to get that bandwagon painted up now, so it will play real good.

“Where will the Bride—the overcomers—be in this picture? She will be identified with a slain Bridegroom, and the Bride will know something of being slain. The Bride of Christ will know the slain life, and she will go home as a slain Bride in union with the Bridegroom. She comes from the desert, leaning. As long as there is an ounce of flesh, she will stand in her own strength. God has to reduce and deplete her, and bring her to complete exhaustion of self-effort.” Follette, John Wright. John Wright Follette’s Golden Grain (p. 19-20). Kindle Edition.

The overcoming Bride, ‘ave you heard ’bout that?

Probably not. We are always to live in victory. We pray. He answers—often miraculously. This is the life we are always accused of portraying in our fiction, as well as our non-fiction. It’s an accusation because we all know life is not like that—really.

To quote our Lord,

In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. John 16:33b NASB

We’ve noticed for years that people without trials are not blessed. Rather, it seems as if the enemy is very careful not to get them upset enough to turn to the Lord for help. Every true believer we know well regularly experiences massive trials and tribulations. As we approach the end, these trying times often seem non-stop with shorter and shorter times of refreshing. The truth shines forth that we are to be overcomers called through tribulation to intimacy—the normal Christian life.

The comfort and closeness are wonderful

Because we have also realized that the Lord always delivers us. The tales of deliverance and blessing are truly glorious. The intimacy with the Lord, through these times of trial, blesses us with intense joy and gratitude.

It’s all about us growing to maturity—where we know the Lord, becoming one with him, as the Lord promised.

How are you doing?