Trails- Who needs them- We Do

Dear CBC family,

I pray you are experiencing the “peace of God that passes all understanding.” I know that many of us have been going through various trials lately. This isn’t unusual considering the day in which we live and the fact that God is doing some great things in our church. That said, trials are still hard. Perhaps we need to just keep reminding us that trials are like the dentist fixing a cavity; there is a bit of pain but the finished result of the tooth is infinitely better than it was before the dentist got involved.

Trials have many purposes according to scripture.  James tells us to: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” We know that trials are hard and sometimes we just need a little support and understanding from our fellow “narrow path” travelers. To that end, I want to simply point you to God’s word here. Your trial is going to produce maturity, assurance and perseverance. This all hangs on how you “consider” your trial. What James means in our way of speaking is “how you think about your trial determines what is produced.” That is really profound. Think on that then ask yourself “what do I want to see produced”?

Peter tells us in his first epistle: “now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” So, we now see that part of our trial is designed to “test and prove” our faith. We know from Romans that trials produce “perseverance, character and hope” yet many don’t have a confident expectation of God being faithful so trials are things that steal joy and produce bitterness, despair and resentment.

We are not to look at texts like this and try to find things to “do or comply” with. We are to look at trials THROUGH these lenses and see their purpose because knowing God’s ways and purposes fuels a deeper trust for Him in these sorts of things.

Perhaps I should simply cut to the chase and throw an amazing promise to you to be an anchor for your soul. This is a perfect example of: “God is faithful and will provide a way out.” This is what I was discussing with you this last weekend. It comes from 2 Peter 2:9. Right after Peter says that the Lord delivered “righteous Lot” (clearly this was all of grace if you know Lot’s life) he says this “the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.” This does not mean God knows “how” but WON’T do it. It means God knows exactly how to deliver you from your specific trial to best accomplish the things above. Instead of being hopeless we should be hopeful. My trial is designed with purpose to produce maturity, steadfastness, hope, and maturity. This is exactly what each of us need in our day. Instead of being overwhelmed by the circumstance be overwhelmed that what the world the flesh and the devil intend for your harm, God intends and WILL work it for your blessing, His glory, your joy and His Kingdom’s advancement.  

This weekend is parable Sunday. Woo Hoo! Remember, there is no Revelation class tonight. We will be back NEXT Thursday at 6:45 PM sharp.

Peace to you from God our Father,

Scott