“There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able—but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
I Corinthians 10:13
They’re not unique, but His Presence is—and, when it’s all said and done, that’s really all we need and all that matters.
Trials. Difficulties. Hardships. Heartaches.
Did you have any of these this past year, Pilgrim? During the previous 364 days did you have any “times of testing” that threatened to do you in? Are you going through one of the most distressing times right now you’ve ever gone through and have been wondering how much longer you can tread water?
If so, welcome to “Life 101.”
And, welcome to Christ’s Invitation to “come unto Him and find rest unto your soul” (Mt. 11:28-30).
Let’s face it:
Life’s tough. It’s not fair. In fact, sometimes it seems like we’ve got a target for trouble on our backs that says “Shoot me. Give me your best shot.”
And, maybe, just maybe right now, you’re worn out. . .fed up. . .and burned out. . .waving the white flag of surrender as you cry out to God, saying “Please, God. I can’t take anymore. Please, please help me.”
The question is, “Has He heard you?”
If so, “What’s been His answer?”
Hmm. . .got pretty quiet in here all of a sudden.
But, dear Pilgrim, today’s Manna reminds us that God has heard and answered our cries for help. Because He’s faithful, He still IS a “VERY PRESENT Help in our trouble” (Ps. 46:1; Heb. 13:5b) and His Grace “is still sufficient for us as He works everything together for good in our lives” (II Cor. 12:9-10; Rom. 8:28).
The key is surrender. Continuing to lie quietly on the Potter’s Wheel. “Giving thanks in ALL things” (I Thess. 5:18)—even those that threaten to do us in.
It’s during our “fiery furnace” experiences that He further defines/refines us and our faith (I Pet. 1:6-7) and reminds us that He’s with us (Dan. 3:19-25). And, truly, it’s His loving Presence with us that enables us to go one, confident that He’ll “never leave us or forsake us” (Heb. 13:5b).
As the final hours of this year draw near, spend a few minutes reflecting on what’s been and how the Lord has sustained you. Then rejoice in the assurance that He will not “permit you to be tested past the breaking point—but will also make a way to escape in the midst of it all” in the coming year. And, where might that “escape” be? Where it always is: Into His loving arms. Amen and amen.
December 31, 2012
