August 11th
Oh Me - Another Trial
Let me say at the beginning that I "hate" trials. I do not like them. I do not appreciate them. I do not want them. I want nothing to do with them. But, and again I say, "but" - "thank God for them".
There are many words to describe my trials. One being "useful". Ouch!! The musician strains at the strings. - a sweeter melody is produced. So, through trials (afflictions) God does make us better. Or - another word is "tests" A way to know our gold is to look upon it and examine it in God's furnace where he tries it for that end. If a builder wants to know if a building is going to withstand a storm he must look upon it when the wind blows.
Want another word? What about "necessary". Ouch and again I say ouch. Take the fire - a hammer - and a file...all necessary to give the metal form.
Then there is "effect". I see in the trials that which brings me face to face with my Lord. I should not be afraid. It is not that God is "out there, somewhere" but "here in my situation." There is something in the sick bed, something in the adverse situation at work, something in the sorrow, something in the aching heart, something in the shattered dream. That something is positive and that someone is the Lord.
Peter put it this way (1 Peter 4:12)
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you."So, while I, personally, do not like them, I do see the good that has come out of them. You can to, my friend. What is yours??
Prayer
Lord, I ask in the name of Jesus that this one faith a victory and believe the good that will come out of a present trial. Above all, give them the assurance that you are WITH them in it.
Amen