Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

In Times of Testing

PSALM 111:7-9 – The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy; they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness. He sent redemption to his people; He has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name!”

 

THEME OF THE DAY:  IN TIMES OF TESTING.  It is going to happen. Often. It cannot be avoided. Ever.  It is God’s doing for our good. Always. It is a truth revealed throughout scriptures, and revealed most pointedly in the words of the Lord from the prophet Isaiah – Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another (Isaiah 48:10, 11). And when it comes to Biblical characters put through the fiery furnaces of testing, none stand taller than Abraham when tested to sacrifice his son, Isaac, and Job, who endured the direct assaults of Satan. In both examples, the testing of their faith proved the authenticity of their faith and deepened their faith.  Just like it will with us.

 

The testing of our faith in the Lord is to affirm the genuine nature of our faith in the Lord, but there is more to be gained from seasons of testing.  In today’s scripture, we are given the truths about God that we are to lean upon in all of life and especially in testing times. In fact, here is what God is ultimately doing in our lives through testing; building our confidence in His work in us and His Person.

First, in those difficult times of trials and testing, cling to the truths in the opening words from the Psalmist – The works of His hands are faithful and just.  This is easy to say when life is relatively manageable.  Not so when the “waves” of difficult circumstances come crashing into our lives.  These “waves” are God’s good work in us; a work of conformity to the image of His Son, the Lord Jesus, and a work that will be completed – And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). The application?  Though we may not understand God’s ways of working in our lives through trials and testing, we may trust His ways of working in our lives.  Why? The works of His hands are faithful and just for they come from Him who is faithful and just.

 

Another truth the Lord would teach us during times of testing is the trustworthiness of His Word to be our strength and bring His companionship to us while in the furnaces of testing.  The Psalmist proclaims not only that God is faithful and just, but His precepts, His Word of promises and commands, are trustworthy.  The prophet Isaiah once again points us to this truth about our God’s trustworthiness in Person and Word – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you (Isaiah 43:2).

 

Yes, the Christian life is a tested life.  It is God’s way of spiritually growing His children and building their confidence in His work and Word. Though painful, it is purposeful and will bring forth the sweet spiritual fruits that come no other way than trips to the furnace of testing.

 

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for proving over and over Your faithfulness to Your Promises and Person in my life.”

 

QUOTE: “God tests and tries His people to move us to the development of deeper faith and trust in His Word and Person”

 

Because of Him,

 

Pastor Jim