Trusting Through Trials – Paul Chappell
Good Sunday Morning to each of you!! How very thankful I am for another opportunity to go to church! Let’s not be guilty of taking this freedom for granted!
There may be someone who is carrying a heavy burden this morning – I pray this will be an encouragement to you…from “Daily in the Word” by Paul Chappell:
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Sunday, Oct 11, 2015
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
Isaiah 43:1–2
God does not promise we will avoid difficulties and trials in life. In fact, while there are punishments for disobedience that we must endure, often it is following God’s path that positions us in a place of trouble. The important thing to remember in those moments is that God is still faithful. The presence of trouble is not a sign that He has abandoned us. Instead, it should be an incentive for us to trust Him more.
Sometimes we hold back from doing what we should because it will be hard. Faith sees the difficulty, but it also sees that God will be with us. F. B. Meyer wrote, “Never dread any consequence resulting from absolute obedience to His command. Never fear the rough waters ahead…Dare to trust Him! Dare to follow Him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life become at His command the very materials He uses to build your street of freedom.”
There is no growth without struggle. Trees that face strong winds put down deep roots so they can stand in the storms. The Christian life is not meant to be an easy one. “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). While trials may be hard, we are never alone. No Christian has ever endured a trial that did not first go through God’s hands.