Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! Another good-looking early Autumn day…at least at this moment – you never know how a day will unfold. I trust that you are enjoying life with all of its twists and turns – that is what makes life so interesting. After challenging you a week or two ago about keeping a “Thank You List” of 5 reasons to ‘thank God’ each day, I have reminded from several different sources as to the importance of this practise. So, that being said…are you actively doing it? Today I will be praying for you,asking Father to open the eyes of your heart and the ears of your understanding so that you can receive all the extra delights He has for you.
It is over forty years ago now that a friend and mentor gave me my first study Bible. He wrote a little note of encouragement on an inside page and gave a Scripture principle that is part of my foundational faith: ‘ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus’ Philippians 1:6 NIV. I was reminded of that verse once again as I journey through some events that are testing my faith and I have been pondering this quote: “God doesn’t give us tests so that He can know what we are capable of, He gives us tests so that we can know what we can do.” Rabbi Eckstein.
Each one of us were born with great potential…yes that is true. However, that potential has to be lived out to be meaningful and purposeful. We will never know the validation of success or the transformative power of failure until that potential is tested in daily living. However, if I understand the Scripture verse correctly … God will not allow me a test that I cannot pass. Because of Jesus Christ, God has a vested interest in me…and you: “Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.” Luke 22:31-32 The Message. And in at least three other verses, Paul and Peter refer to these ‘present trials’ – tests to be part of God’s plan to reveal the future glory to us…because He knows we are going to pass the tests! Our passing of ‘tests’ have another clear purpose — to encourage and teach others. Is there anything that God will not use in purposeful ways?
Something to think about…be blessed!