Whenever you find yourself going through times of testing, there is always areason...a very good reason... In fact, there are several reasons.
Testing times are to:
- UNCOVER something: When God allows pressures and trials, it is so that you might uncover something in your life He wants to deal with. Hardships reveal areas of weakness and vulnerability. God wants to strengthen us in those very areas, and better equip us not only to stand strong in the storms ourselves, but also to be a shelter for others.
- RECOVER something: God allows us to be tested so that we might recover something we've lost over the months and years. Perhaps it is our delight in the Word of God, a habit of daily prayer, or the delight of regular fellowship with those of like-precious faith. Trials may force us backto that "first love" walk with the Lord that has slipped away from us.
- DISCOVER something: Even though it's a test you may not like or enjoy,you discover that He's your God, you're His child, and that He loves you. He'll care for you and see you through. People talk about this trial and that trial, this test and that test.People will say, "Pray for me, I'm going through a trial in my marriage (or in my job or in my finances or in my relationships at home)." But in reality,those aren't the things being tested at all. What's being tested is our faith, whether we will really trust Him to work in and through our circumstances.That's what's really at stake. When the heat's on...when the shadows fall...when disappointment rips through my heart...am I going to trust Him?Am I going to wait on Him, worship Him, and give my anxieties to Him? Or am I going to turn away from Him in my doubt and discouragement? (Ron Mehl)
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations,knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character,hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Rom. 5:3-5).
6 comments:
I have found that the testing, the trials are what most make me who I am. It may hurt or cause some tears or even fear but it is best in the end. After all Christ knows best what I need. I just have to remember I am His child and He has my best interests at heart and He is there to comfort and lead me through.
This is an excellent post! My husband and I are each going through trials in different areas. I believe that it's the Lord's way to bring about an increase in our faith and trust in Him. And it's also true that it can be a chastening too.
By the way, I like your header picture! I have fond memories of my mom, grandmother, and neighbors sitting around the quilting frame.
This was a very good article. Thank you for sharing it. :-)
Dawn, I surely have enjoyed catching up on reading the posts you have been sharing! (it is late, I can't sleep, thought I would blog for a while, lol)
You are a wonderful encourager in the Lord and it is a blessing to read what the Lord leads you to share!
HUGS!
Dawn (me again, lol) I have an award sitting on my blog for you. I enjoy the creativity you share in your posts while still holding onto truth and honesty, I have been blessed many times over! Hugs!
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