SUNDAY November 10, 2019
Enduring Fiery Trials
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you….
1 Peter 4:12
The Apostles James and Peter shared with Christians that in their walk with God, the truth of the matter was they would go through trials. These trials can come quickly, unexpectedly, and often more than one trial can come at any given time.
Consider Job’s life. His trials were non-stop––consistent. When one trial suddenly happened, the next trial immediately came after it. Hour by hour Job’s trials occurred: His oxen and donkeys were taken in a raid, and some of his servants were killed (Job 1:14-15). Fire came from heaven and devoured all his sheep and more of his servants (Job 1:16). Chaldeans stole away the camels, and even more servants perished (Job 1:17). Then terrible news reached him––all his children had died (Job 1:18-19). What was Job’s incredible reaction? He worshipped the Lord and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
The Bible records Job’s righteous attitude:In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong (Job 1:22). Could matters get any worse for Job? They did! Job was tremendously tested with a physical affliction. He became covered from head to toe with painful boils (Job 2:7). Although Job was taken to a breaking point, he endured his trials.
If you read the book of Job, you will find that Job’s friends were miserable comforters. Understand, we cannot judge people when they go through trials. Instead, be careful to be compassionate and understanding. Know this, one day it will be your turn to endure fiery trials. Trials happen to all of us. In the trials you face, it is important to discern what God wants to teach you.
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God….
~Job 19:25-26~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!