One of my favorite books is called The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. I have read it 3 times and it is highlighted and underlined and written in from each of the times I have read it. One of my favorite quotes from this book is, "Why me? Why not me? I will be prepared for something great." I have written about that before. But in my Bible reading today, it came back to mind.
Today I read about Abraham and the testing of his faith. I think that many of us have had times where we feel we are raked over the coals but I have to wonder how many of us can truly identify with Abraham (Genesis 20) when God told him to take his only son, the one promised by God and given in old age that would be the beginning of a line of descendants that was promised to change the world, and sacrifice him.
Here's the truth and some lessons to learn:
God WILL sometimes test His children's faith. This testing honors God's kingdom.
We can trust God to provide EVERYTHING that is NECESSARY to accomplish HIS plans and desires for our lives.
Sometimes He accomplishes His will in our lives by destroying OUR hopes and dreams so that HIS hopes and dreams FOR US can be fulfilled in an even greater way!
Once we've walked through the testing, God's encouragement and strength come flooding in and He brings us rewards for the perseverance.
True life comes through complete surrender to God and being willing to sacrifice whatever He requires.
(Here's the best part) The result of suffering through a test of faith is better understanding that the Lord is FULL of compassion and mercy!
Whatever fire you're walking through, don't begrudge it. Look at it as your refining process. Look at it as God's way of proving Himself faithful to you and your proving yourself committed to Him.
It makes me thing of the old Scott Kripayne song "Sometimes He Calms The Storm."
Sometimes He calms the storm with a whisper "peace be still".
He can settle any sea. But it doesn't mean He will.
Sometimes He holds us close and let's the wind and waves go wild.
Sometimes He call calms the storm. And other times He calms His child.
He can settle any sea. But it doesn't mean He will.
Sometimes He holds us close and let's the wind and waves go wild.
Sometimes He call calms the storm. And other times He calms His child.
Guess what...WE are His children!
So rest in His grace, mercy and compassion. Breathe deep of His promises. Lay back against His chest as He holds you close and know that this storm will not last forever and your reward is on it's way.
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