Fear God, and give glory to Him

          Well, here I am in the early morning quiet, and my thoughts are busy… so I’m going to just jot some down to share with you.

I’ve been thinking about trials – how they really are not fun, or easy, but they are blessings from our loving Father. He gives us hard situations to mold us more into His image – to refine our character and make us pure, fit for Him to use. “But he knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job23:10) It’s His way of perfecting us – “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly… Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me... The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” (Psa.138:6-9)

When the Lord allows a perplexing or challenging situation, let’s rejoice – He has not given up on us! He is showing His love – “For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth…” (Heb. 12:6) And He will not forsake the works of His hands, as long as we are faithful and submissive to Him. It’s another “thing” that is for our good. (Rom. 8:28)

Even the Lord Jesus Christ had to pass through fiery trials, and He “learned obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb. 5:8) If our divine Lord needed to learn by suffering, how much more necessary it must be for us!

So, dear friends and sisters, let’s rejoice when we are faced with yet another test – it’s another opportunity to learn and grow, and God’s love and faithfulness is shining right through it!

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psa. 139: 23, 24)

Later – I wrote this early yesterday morning, and already in the evening needed to put it to practice again – this rejoicing and thanking the Lord for tests and trials. :) Well, it’s hard, but I know it’s true, and what I need to do, so I’m gonna keep on trying!

God bless you!