By: Juliet Constantine

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
 

The School of Life brings continuous testing, one after another – well that’s how it seems to me. We are bombarded with one challenge after another with very little time, if any, to ‘party’ in between. Amazingly, the experiences are quite similar for those on the ‘narrow path’.

We are troubled on very side, perplexed, persecuted. Think about those in prison, those being killed, and many jailed, tortured and prevented from meeting together! These testing are so severe at times we wondered how the Apostle Paul could term them as ‘light afflictions’. Yet, when compared to his, some of our trails seem like a slap on the wrist. Still, in whatever degree our testing comes, “they are God’s workmen, ordained for the perfection of character”(R&H May 1902), working it all for our good. No matter how grievous the testing faced, Paul assured us that they are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

In our trials, we need to remember three things: 1) God permits trials – they are His workmen; 2) You are not alone - others have faced similar test and have come forth triumphant; and 3) Praise God in spite of your trials - He’s working it out for our good.

God Permits trials: While God does not afflict us nor grieve us unnecessarily, He permits trials and afflictions "for our profit that we might be partakers of His holiness."(Hebrews 12:10). The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character; and if borne faithfully, will prove to be a blessing in disguise as we will see how closely connected they were with our salvation. Remember, whom He loves, He chastened. Humble yourself.

You Are Not Alone: God will not leave you in your hour of testing. He was with David when he was hunted like a beast, with Joseph when he stood for his virtue and integrity, with Daniel when he was cast into the lion’s den, with Job when he lost it all, with Jeremiah when he was cast into a loathsome pit, and with Stephen when he was stoned to death – so will He be with you. Just as God worked it out for their good, He’ll do the same for you. Don’t give up.

Praise God in Your Trials: I personally can testify that when I praise God in my trials, the focus is removed from the problem and placed on God. I was lifted from my low depths of complaint and depression to one of praise – evidence in my Alone With God Daily Devotionals. I do not understand everything that’s happening, but in faith, I choose to believe that God will work it out for my good. I choose to talk faith, talk courage, talk of His love and tell of His wonderful works.

You can be assured that, “whatever may be the circumstances of the Christian, however dark and mysterious may be the ways of Providence, however great his deprivation and suffering, he may look away from them all to the unseen and the eternal. He has the blessed assurance that all things are working for his good.”(SDA Bible Commentary Vol 6 pg 1099). Be thankful.

Thank You Father for You love to us. We humbly submit our selves to Your will and way, in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)