I
sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my
fears. Psalms 34:4
Have
you ever wondered why we, as humans go through dark moments in our lives? To be
honest, who, in their right mind lives in the expatiation of going through
trials or tribulations? No one! So why does God allow trials or tribulations to
come our way? Better still, how should we react under them? In John 5:1-11, is the
parable of the vine and the branches. In these texts we see the out working of
salvation. When we look at verse 6, of the same chapter, we see that
salvation is conditional. On the other hand, those who turn back from God
are crucifying Jesus afresh. Hebrews 6:4-6
The
work of pruning and purifying to fit God’s children for heaven, is a great
work, and will cost us much suffering and trial. In the flesh, humans detest
any form of hardship. This is because our will is not subject to the will of
Christ. Romans 8:7. Yet, if we would be saved, we must go through the furnace
of deep trials till the fires have consumed the dross (sin) out of our lives.
God allows dark moments in our lives so it can purify and help us reflect the
image of God. Isaiah 43:2-3
To
those who follow their own inclinations and are governed by appearances, are
not good judges of what God is doing. They are filled with discontent. They see
failure where there is indeed triumph, a great loss where there is gain; and,
like Jacob, they are ready to exclaim, “All these things are against me,”
Genesis 42:36. But little do they realize that the very things whereof they
complain about are all working together for their good.
The
Bible teaches, "No cross, no crown! But how can one be strong in the Lord
without trials? In the line of godly growth, “Never”! To have strength, we must
have exercise. To have strong faith, we must be placed in circumstances where
our faith will be tried. To have purification, we must have fire. When you look
at the apostle Paul, just before his martyrdom, he exhorted Timothy and us who
live in this dispensation to be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel
according to the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8
According
to theme text today, it is through much tribulation, we
are to enter the kingdom. Psalms 34:1-22. Consider Jesus our Saviour. He was
tried in every possible way, yet overcame triumphantly through the power of our
Heavenly Father. Isaiah 53:1-12. Today, it is our privilege to be strong in the
strength of God under all circumstances, and to glory in the cross of Christ.
The
very trial and tribulation which test your faith most severely today, is not
sent by God, but allowed by Him. Although it may seem that God has forsaken you
during the trial, they are design to lead us nearer to Him. By surrendering our
lives to Him by faith, and prayer, we can lay all our burdens at his feet
today. By doing this, we receive peace in exchange.
When
you surrender yourself entirely to God in all circumstances, you are rewarded
by a victory of inner joy now. As you review your past history with a clear
mind, you will notice in times of great perplexity and burdens, God was there
seeking to lead you into the light.
Today
our heavenly Father stands by our side, bending over us with unutterable love. He
even allows us to be afflicted for your good. WHAT A WONDERFUL GOD! We seldom
view Jesus as he is, and are never so ready to receive his help as He longs to
help us. "What a victory we gain when we learn to follow the opening
providences of God with a grateful heart." In closing, let us answer these
seven questions.
1. Do you love the Lord?
2. Are you determine to live
with an eye single to his glory?
3. Will you follow him in
sickness or health, in abundance or want, good times or bad times?
4. Have you fully died to self
today?
5. Have you stopped quivering
(tremble, shake) at every touch, or when someone challenges you?
6. Are you slow to retaliate
when someone speaks to you for your own good?
7. Do you long for heaven, or
are you satisfied with the things of this earth?
If
you can say YES to all seven questions, then you have overcome
your setbacks, and are now on the road of your setups.
Prayer
for the day: "Lord let self be crucified in Jesus name Amen."
Song of the day: STAY
WITH GOD – By Judith Gayle
Why not tune in to our newest
ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can see it on Facebook live this
evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND
THE WORD is an open Bible study that comes to you on Mondays, Wednesdays, and
Fridays evenings.
Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to comments
Blessings, Blessing, Blessings
Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci