When It is Your Time To Face Great Trials

It has been heartbreaking this week to watch the news of the disastrous fires sweeping through neighborhoods taking lives, destroying homes, schools, businesses and property in Southern California. Thus far, as of this writing, ten deaths are reported, 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes and the fires have destroyed more than 9,000 structures while consuming over 30,000 acres. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people who have suffered great loss and who still face grave danger. Our own SBC Disaster Relief is already there (in a limited capacity until the fires are brought under control) and will soon begin an active and compassionate response to the people affected by this catastrophe.

The people of Southern California are facing, perhaps, an unparalleled trial in their lives and communities. This reminds us all that we will someday face a day in our lives that will be the worst day. There will come a time we will call the greatest trial of our life. What should we remember in such a time as this?

A time of great testing calls for a time of great trusting! The Apostle Paul faced such a time and said this: “We were under great pressure…But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 1:8; 12:9).

I like the words of writer A.B. Simpson on this passage: “Nothing but the great trials and dangers we have experienced would ever have led some of us to know Him as we do, to trust Him as we have, and to draw from Him (as we must). Difficulties and obstacles are God’s way of challenging our faith. As we move forward in faith, simply and fully trusting Him, we may continue to be tested. Sometimes we may have to wait and realize that ‘perseverance must finish its work’ (James 1:4). But ultimately we will surely find ‘the stone rolled away’ (Luke 24:2) and the Lord Himself waiting to bestow a double blessing on us for our time of testing.”

Since we know that we will one day see the reward of our faith, we must be careful to remain steady in the exercise of our faith. Learn to live with that certainty even in times of uncertainty. Yes, you can be confident in the outcome of your faith. Further you can be sure that “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (and continues to love us)” (Romans 8:37).

Remember: On your worst day, it is a time for great trusting!

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron