Mold us and shape us Lord, for Your glory. For we are Yours. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
“God’s preparation for greatness in His Kingdom is often filled with difficult preparation.” — Os Hillman
Do you see your current obstacles or situations as preparations for something greater? I agree that it takes extreme effort and faith to view our tests and trials as just that…something to make us stronger. But as Believers in a great and Holy God, we must see things from a different perspective…God’s perspective.
1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
All through the Bible, just about everyone that God used, had to go through some type of preparation, some test of faith or some obstacle to overcome by trusting in God.
Abraham had to prepare his son for a sacrifice ordered by God. – Genesis 22:1-13
Noah had to endure ridicule and build a giant boat where there was never any sign of water nearby. – Genesis 6:13-7:5
David faced Goliath on the battlefield, face a king that wanted to kill him and his own internal desires. – 1 Samuel 17&18, 2 Samuel 11
Moses journey through the wilderness alone and then with the nation of Israel. Exodus 2 – Deuteronomy 34:12
Joseph having to deal with his brothers and Potiphar’s wife – Genesis 37, 39
John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness and Herodias, Herod’s wife’s hatred of him. – Mark 6
Paul being blinded on the road to Damascus. – Acts 9:3-22
Peter denying Christ. – Matthew 26:69-75
And of course, our Lord and Savior Jesus. – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
If we desire to serve God, be conformed to His image, and take on the character of Christ, can we truly do no less that to endure various tests and obstacles in order to be the vessels that God will and can use? Of course we would rather God simply snap His fingers and poof, we are instantly clean, perfect and righteous. Because of Christ we are just that, however, we will never believe it unless it is shown to us by how we live and stand against the adversities that face us in life. We could and would never see God’s goodness, love and power, if He did not deliver us from our problems when we call and place our trust on and in Him.
When we truly understand God’s love and plans for us, like David, we may one day be able to say:
Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. – Psalm 26:2-3 2
If we continue to run or try to hide from our preparation, we will only slow the process of becoming someone greater in the Kingdom of God, that He desires for us to be. Remember:
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
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