Tested Beyond Our Strength?

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Cor 10:13 NRSV)

Life can be pretty rough at times. There are times when we really think that we are so near the edge of what we can endure that we are likely to go over the cliff. But, Paul is convinced that God will be with us and supporting us as we are tested. He reminds us that God will not test us beyond what we are capable of handling. 

Life is rough. There will be much pain. There will be much grief. But, our hope is not in this world. Our hope is in the promises of God through Christ Jesus.

May God help "...us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful."  (Heb 10:23) Do not fear the trials or temptations that assail you for God is with you and for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Standing Inside The Fire

Cassie Standing Inside The Fire
Photo by Uncle "John Arthur Photography"

And I will put this third into the fire,
    refine them as one refines silver,
    and test them as gold is tested.
They will call on my name,
    and I will answer them.
I will say, “They are my people”;

    and they will say, “The Lord is our God.”

                                                    (Zech 13:9 NRSV)

When she was younger, I called her Sassy Cassie. She is still a bit sassy. She, as most of us do, has fought the refining process as well as she could. Thankfully, God is patient and loves all of his children continuing always to soften our hearts toward Him that we might live abundant lives in Him. The refining is not always easy on the person that is being refined or on anyone around them. But, it is better to withstand the fiery ordeal of refining than never to step inside those refining fires. It is better to withstand the refining process while young so that as we grow old, we can joyfully say, "The Lord is my God."

For most of her life, I have reminded Cassie to "live life." Life is not only much more pleasant; but, exciting as well, when we get up and actually experience the awesome life and all the gifts that God has given us. When we focus on truly living life in Christ, then we will know an abundant life; even while standing inside the fire.

Garth Brooks reminds us in his song:
     Standing outside the fire 
     Standing outside the fire 
     Life is not tried it is merely survived 
     If you're standing outside the fire

Do not fear the refining fires. God is with you even in those fires. Live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Persevere

"As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11

Trials will come. We are tested daily. We are tested not only by confrontations with natural disasters; but, with many man made disasters as well. There are many days when I consider throwing in the towel. There are days when I might think that the world is lost anyway so why bother. It is just too much work to help others who often don't even realize that they need help.

Yet, I do not give up hope. I continue to do what I can to help others who are suffering; others who are in need. When the help I have attempted is thrown back in my face, I am saddened; but, I do not lose hope. My hope is in the Lord. He will save me. He will save all who love him.

I am not alone in these trials. Multitudes of Christians whose intent is to serve the Lord by serving others in need often do so without any form of acknowledgement in return unless that acknowledgement is a proverbial slap in the face. Do not give up. Persevere in the face of these trials and temptations for the Lord is with you. He is full of compassion and mercy. He will guide you through the darkest shadows of death. You will see the light of Christ, the glory of God in its fullness. He will lead others to the light of Christ through you.

Take heart, persevere in faith, and you will see the Kingdom of God where trials and temptations will forever be behind you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J