For a Little While

Monday, May 17, 2010

Today's Passage: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Memory Verse: James 1:2-3

An absolutely awesome word came forth from our pastors this past Sunday about faith hall of famers who were able to withstand fiery trials because they were totally devoted to our God. The hearts of those of us who were in the sanctuary swelled with a fierce desire to be brave and determined to please God like Noah, the three Hebrew boys, and the woman with the issue of blood. And yet, how many of us can say with conviction that we walk through our trials with the joy that James talks about?

Trials are a time of testing, or a time of proving our unconditional devotion to God. These come so that our faith, which Peter tells us is so much more precious than anything earthly we can ever desire, can shine brightly before God after everything else is burned up in the fire. They don't come to destroy us, as the enemy tries so hard to convince us during the test. On the contrary, they really do make us stronger -- we become more confident of God's power to deliver us, and of the enemy's powerlessness to stop God's plans in our lives.

So if there's a formula for coming through trials with flying colors, it would be this: 1)Be very aware of God's promises to us while going through. Remember Jeremiah 29:11-13. God sees the end from the beginning of our time of testing. He knows what He wants you to develop into at the end of it. Have you ever had to take your children to the doctor's office for vaccines? While they're getting them, you can't stand to see them endure the pain. As a matter of fact, if you could take the pain for them, you would. But you know that if they don't go through this, their immune systems wouldn't stand a chance of fighting for them against deadly diseases. So focus on what God has planned for you to GAIN during this time.

2) Remember that the trial is ONLY FOR A LITTLE WHILE. Sometimes, our trials seem like forever. I'm sure to the woman with the issue of blood, twelve years felt like she had been sick all her life. But one moment took away all her suffering, and gave her pain a purpose. If she'd never gone through what she had, she'd never have been given the opportunity to meet Jesus, the Healer. 3) Find joy in the presence of the Lord. Live daily so that those who find out what you went through AFTER it's over (not DURING the process) can give God praise for the strength He gave you to walk through it. Let your days be filled with moments of worship to the Father, Who alone is gracious to lift the burden so that you can walk with your head held high. May satan get no glory out of what God is doing in your life, but may God get all praise, honor, and glory.

Prayer: Father, here's my life. I'm totally devoted to You no matter what trials I have to walk through. Help me not to spend my time complaining about the discomfort, but rather remembering the pain You endured when Your Son went to the cross for me. Thank You for reminding me that it's only for a little while. I declare that I'm coming out pure gold on the other side of this. And all the glory will go to You forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.