From: Durham, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 10:14 AM






Hang On
“The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests
the hearts.” Prov 17:3

Have you experienced delayed promises, major changes, prayers that weren’t
answered the way you wanted, impossible situations, tragedies that seemed
senseless and what you believe is undeserved criticism in your life? If so,
you’re
human; you’re probably being tested!

In Prov 27:21 we read, “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for
gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him.” Therefore, ask
yourself, “
What do others say about me?” How do you act when you don’t feel the
presence of God?
The families of the miners trapped in the mine in West Virginia were told
that only one miner had survived. On man stated, “God is good; He is good
even
when our prayers are not answered the way we want them.” God’s Word
declares
that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are the called according to His purpose.”(Rom 8:28) We don’t understand
this
tragedy, but He does! We should pray that God works the “good” that He’s
promised for these families.

Remember how Hezekiah experienced consternation, as “God withdrew from him,
in order to test him that He might know all that was in his heart.”(2 Chr
32:31) Even though Hezekiah had enjoyed close fellowship with God, at a crucial
point God left him alone to test his character, reveal his weakness and prepare
him for greater blessing. If you’re going through troubles and trials, it
could be that’s what is happening with you. If you will view life as a test,
you’
ll begin to understand nothing is insignificant. Each and every day is an
important day and every second a growth opportunity to deepen your character.
Allow the tragedies in your life cause you to depend more upon God.

Are you being tested? If so, you along with the families in West Virginia,
myself, and multitudes of others can find strength in the fact that “no
temptation has overtaken [us] except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful,
who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the
temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear
it.”(1
Cor 10:13) When you’re “tested,” because the devil will tempt you; you
have
a choice to succumb to his lies or trust God’s love and wisdom. Never forget
that each time you pass a test your Heavenly Fathers observes and makes plans
to reward you; “blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has
been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to
those who love Him.”(James 1:12)

If you’re being tested hang on; God will bring you through and you’ll be
stronger and wiser as a result!


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