James 1:2, 3 says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
So often when I'm walking through "trials of various kinds", I only feel that I am the one being tested. God is testing me in order to bring about steadfastness and other Christ-like character. While this is true, this morning God provided a different perspective on trials. When we walk through trials, it is not only we who are being tested; it is also God and His Word that are being tested and as I have found, always proven true.
Last week I found myself in the midst of a trial, the trial of caring for sick kids. Tucker woke up one night with diarrhea and vomiting. We were up with him several times throughout the night, did 3 loads of laundry before the night was over, gave several baths, and was even up to greet the sunrise this morning. It wasn't a cheery greeting, mind you. This was all after caring for Judah for the three days who had also had the stomach bug.
One morning as I tried to prepare myself for the long day ahead of me, my husband having a networking event in the evening, I began to think about putting God's Word to the test. I thought of these particular promises found in scripture:
For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run and not be weary;they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
My prayer that morning went something like this, "God, this is what your Word says, so let me see you come through today. Let me see you be true to Your Word." Now, while this may sound and can be the prayer of a cynic, by the power of the Holy Spirit I was able to offer it as a prayer of faith, knowing that God would be up for the challenge, so to speak.
When we're walking through trials of various kinds, remember we are not the only ones being put to the test. God and His Word is being put to test, and you will find it is an opportunity to see the faithfulness of God and certainty of His Word.
3 comments:
What a great perspective, Briana. I like that you don't shrink back from taking God at His Word. You really model perseverence well. Probably not your choice of character traits to be worked on, but nonetheless it's exciting to me a bystander to witness you clinging to truth no matter what the test. I remember those days of having 3 little ones. January of 1995 meant 3 weeks in a row of chicken pox, from about January 2nd to 23. On the 25th I decided to play volleyball at the church (our old church) and midway through I rolled my ankle and got an avulsion fracture. That put me on crutches for 4 weeks. Our only bathroom was on the 2nd level. Yet looking back all I remember is the grace. I just don't remember sharing it as openly as you do.
Yes and amen. I think I have been trying to be a stoic through this trial...yes, this is good for us, God only gives us good things. I know this may be the right answer, but it was a pat answer. I like your expression better. God has brought us up short, he has made us hurt, and he has let it go on for while he is burning away the dross. If I don't take up cussing during all this it will be a miracle! As Powlinson said this is a hellish experience. I better stop now, before i shock all the good people reading this blog. Thanks for your honesty, loving you from hershey, gla
just ran across this post "randomly" this morning and it was a great encouragement to me. thanks!
Post a Comment