Be Strong and Courageous!

Our pastor preached on Hezekiah yesterday. In 2 Chronicles, it tells of the time when Hezekiah learned that the king of Assyria was coming with his army to attack. The kids and I recently studied the Assyrians and the textbook we have called them some of the first "terrorists" in history... they were very brutal and very feared. I can only imagine how Hezekiah and those around him must've felt when they heard this news. But, Hezekiah was strong in his faith and he encouraged his people to be strong:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said." (2 Chron. 32:7-8)

Pastor shared this list that he called "The Positive Value of Trials and Tests":
Trials and Tests:
1) Keep us dependent on God -- 2 Chron. 32:7-8
2) Reveal the true nature of our spirit
3) Purifiies us
4) Strengthen us ("Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish." Is. 38:17)
5) Glorify God
6) Encourage others.

I can say amen and amen on all accounts. We never learn full dependence on God until life's crutches are swept away and we find ourselves either sprawled on the ground or throwing our whole self on God's mercy and allowing Him to hold us up. In addition, we won't know the true nature of our faith until it is tested-- This is when we make a mental choice to be "strong and courageous" -- a decision we an only make because we know on Whom we lean!

Pastor's third point is that trials purify us... When a refiner is working to purify silver, he will put the silver over a fire. The silver melts and eventually the dross (the impurities) will begin to float to the top. This allows the refiner to skim those out and the silver become more pure. It is a perfect picture of trials.... they may at times bring out the worst in us. But, then the ugliness we hide inside of us comes to the surface and God will help us remove it from our lives. This is where the rubber meets the road.

I don't know if Pastor purposely put the above points in the order he did, but I almost see it as steps to success... first we have to be fully dependent on God... if we are able to do that, then our faith is proved strong. Then, we find ourselves being purified through the trial... and finally, we find ourselves and our faith strengthened by our experience! As we work our way through the trial, we can use the experience to bring glory to God and to encourage others. I've found this to be true in my life. Because of what we've experienced, I've had numerous opportunities to encourage and minister to other women whose husbands have also lost their jobs, or who have dealt with other difficult losses.

Nothing is wasted in God's economy. If you are experiencing a trial, then know that God has allowed it for a reason and will help you through it and eventually use it in your life for some good purpose. He is there and waiting for you to lean on Him, but He doesn't force Himself on us. He waits for us to choose. Putting your trust in Him throughout a difficult or long trial, sometimes only happens through sheer willpower. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking trust and faith will bubble out of us automatically when we need it, but rather it can be a battle to get there. I hope my blog never gives anyone the idea that I don't have down times. I literally have to fight to keep doubt and uncertainties at bay and some days it is more difficult than others. It IS a spiritual battle "against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil" and just like the scripture says we must, "put on the full armor of God so that we can stand our ground." (Eph. 6:10-18)

Most of all, remember that God is trustworthy and faithful, even when we are not. He is always there and waiting to take our full weight upon Him at any given moment. There is never a pit so deep that He can not rescue us. His arm is never too short. Put your trust in Him, even if is only by sheer willpower. He will not fail you.