The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines.

Humility is not one of my strong qualities. So, it is quite humbling when the Holy Spirit tempers my desire to exalt myself. I had an experience where I was in the right and I just wanted to defend myself and expose the offending party. With anger in my heart and fire raging in my eyes, I was prepared to step forward and beat my chest like the Pharisee, defending my right! But then, the Holy Spirit spoke and said, “Hold your peace and do not let your attitude or your voice betray how you feel”.

So many parents are now experiencing a similar crucible as I am: back to school expenses and empty pockets. With school fees to be paid, books and uniforms to be purchased, together with other expenses, we can do no other but to call on Jehovah Jireh. Even with classes to begin in a couple days, I must wrestle with God. I know the education of His children is important to Him. And so, I wrestle, I pray, I keep believing. God will come through. He will make a way! You should too. Hold Him to His promises.

Knowing Him and the fellowship of His sufferings: like the three Hebrew boys, like Job, like Abraham, we can know that He will deliver, and if He chooses not to deliver, He will be with us in our fiery trials. He will take us through. The fellowship of knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us is so assuring, so we can obey His instructions with a willing heart.

There isn't a child of God who does not face challenges, impossible situation from time to time. For some, it is a daily experience - sometimes a continuous challenge. We've prayed, put our faith into action, prayed some more but still nothing happened. We've asked, seek, knock: but still nothing is happening - or so it seems. Like this father, we know Jesus can help, but we sometimes wondered, would He?

Jesus sought the fruit of the fig tree and found none because it was not yet fig season. He cursed the tree and the next day the tree was dried up from its root. Peter, being surprised at the quick change in the status of the tree, called Jesus’ attention to it. Jesus encouraged Peter to have faith in God. He gave Peter (and His other disciples) a quick lesson on faith.

The storms in my life may not be over physically, but spiritually they are over. With the peaceful assurance that God is by my side, that He is holding my hand, I am comforted that He will see me through my storms. Just like the disciples at sea on a stormy night, the assurance that there’s nothing to fear with God by their side is even mine this morning. I do not need to be afraid of the challenges the day holds. God is with me and He has taken my hand. I will be okay irrespective of whatever may comes my way.

It wasn’t God’s will to cause the older generation to perish in the wilderness. It was their rebellion. Their unwillingness to follow the straight “thus saith the Lord” prevented their entry. They preferred to set up their own rules and do their own thing. They rebelled against God’s chosen who always stood in the gap for them. With all the miracles God did and all the provisions He gave them, still they were unsatisfied and doubtful of His protection. Their rebellion prevented them from entering the Promised Land.

The Lord declares that He fills Heaven and Earth, and nothing is hidden from Him. All plans we lay in secret are open to His all knowing eyes. We may do so behind closed, sealed and sound proof doors thinking no one will know. But God does see and knows. And He doesn’t keep secret if your plans are for evil. He will reveal them to His prophets and servants.

But it’s different with God. Whether or not you love God, He loves you and will always love you. He loves you just the way you are. And He is longingly waiting on you to turn to Him for all your love needs. Have you been crushed by an earthly love? He feels your pain and will dry your tears. His arms are open wide to embrace you. You can cry on His shoulders. He will wipe your tears away and get you smiling again. After so many have failed you, why not give Him a chance to love you the way you deserved to be loved? His is a triple L – a long and lasting love.