Much has been shared in previous blogs regarding “the trial of our faith,” 1 Peter 1:7, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
However, the previous verse,6, declares, “Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a SEASON, IF NEED BE, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” Three little words: IF NEED BE, under the righteous eye of my loving Heavenly Father, enlightens my understanding of His ways.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a SEASON, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”
On a day to day basis, each day is part of a season – and the season has purpose in God. The seasons are ordained of God – as in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. As I process the trial of my faith under God’s searching eye, I begin to understand that it is ordered by God because He knows what I need to produce another measure of the character of His Son worked into my life. I am unaware of my need until He reveals it to me.
I can so easily get my priorities mixed up, and need to learn to distinguish between my needs and my wants. “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:19 THINK NO LACK! The words, “I cannot afford,” should no longer be part of my vocabulary. If it is the will of God, He will meet the need as His word promises, if it is not the will of God then I should not be hankering after it and losing focus on God’s will for my life.
God takes me into a season, a period of time where He works something in me for change. He brings me to a point where I can receive the truth He desires to show me. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” IN everything, not FOR everything…..Recognize the hand of God at work.
1 Peter 1:6 “….though now for a season, IF NEED BE, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations.” The Indwelling Christ in me cannot be tempted because He defeated all at Calvary, but satan is permitted to tempt me to show me where I need more of God. The trial of my faith tests me and gives me opportunity to prove God. God determines the length of the season in my life, He is the Governing Factor, not satan. If I humble where the Lord shows me, He will end the season more quickly, and the gold from the trial of my faith will stand to the glory of God.
I must see the will of God as a testing place. There is no way out except through humility. God is working in me for His good pleasure, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do, of His good pleasure,” Philippians 2:13. When I see things through God’s eyes I realize that His good pleasure is my good pleasure, because He has worked it in me. When we go through situations with the Lord, the end result is that we have His compassion and empathy for others, and His ability to “love thy neighbour as thyself,”
Matthew 19:19.
God plans and works for eternity.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made every thing beautiful in His time.”
As we stand on the threshold on the turn of the year let us, with confidence, put our hand safely into the hand of our Divine Guide. Let us joyfully anticipate the forthcoming 365 days bristling with opportunities to prove God making changes in our lives. The Holy Spirit is constantly moving us on as we are being changed “from glory to glory.” Where there is no change stagnation results.
Our times are in Your hands, O Lord….as are the seasons, all working for your good pleasure and glory.
