Faith Under Trial

Throughout this week I have come across several scriptures and references all pointing to one theme.

My first encounter was in the book of Psalms. There were 2 or 3 of them back to back wherein David spoke to the fact that often the Lord leads us to a difficult situation in order that He may show Himself mighty.  Consider for instance, as does David in Psalm 105, all the evil that befell Joseph. 

What would have happened if he had taken upon himself to change his plight. What if he had sought escape? What if he had been bitter and not served with good character? What if… The list could go on. If at any point he had not rested in the Lord, the outcome for his family and hence the entire Jewish nation would have been much different. But instead, because of his immovable faith in Yahweh, we are blessed with a testimony of God’s goodness and His unfailing provision, as Joseph was positioned to be able to provide the young nation with food to survive the famine. What his brothers and even Potiphar's wife had meant for evil, the Lord had meant for good.

Then in Bible study this morning when we were discussing Yahweh Rophey (I AM Healer), we were guided to the book of Exodus. Specifically we looked at the story wherein the children of Israel are grumbling against Moses because they have been in the desert for 3 days and they have no water. When they come to the water at Marah they find they cannot drink it because it is bitter.

Though it was not the main thrust of the lesson, we briefly discussed, that often we are brought to a test for the Lord to determine whether or not we will “be still and know that I AM God,”  just as were the children of Israel. They were brought to the shores of the Red Sea with Pharaoh behind and waters ahead and Moses told them to stand still.  They were brought out into the desert where they had no water and required the hand of the Lord to provide water. They hadn’t enough food and relied on His provision for their daily bread. Over and over they were used of God to show His greatness in their time of desperation.

We have a choice to make. When we encounter trials, we can become anxious and lunge for whatever response seems best to us, or we can be still in faith and know He has not led us to this place to simply allow us to languish. If we find ourselves in the face of extraordinary difficulty (not of our own making through rebellious or sinful acts) then He has likely positioned us to receive greatly from His hand.

It was also pointed out in today’s lesson, as the tree used to make the bitter water sweet was in close proximity to the waters, so too the remedy for our bitter trial is always close at hand as well.

Thank you Yahweh Rophey that when you bring us to a bitter place, You Our Healer, Our Remedy are always close by. You stand ready to show us Your power and might. Thank You Lord that I need not worry and be anxious when I have obeyed You and given the situation over to You.  Thank You Lord that I can consider it all joy at the testing of my faith, knowing that such trials produce patience and endurance. And since through patient endurance I can be still and know that You are God, my faith is strengthened. Lord, I praise You that in Your wisdom You choose my trials for my good and Your glory. Praise You, Father! Amen.