Thoughts for another day

August 14, 2012.

Today's verse: 1 Sam. 2:7. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Humans face many trials in life and they also face a number of blessings; that is God's way.  And no matter if there's a trial in our lives, we also know that God will remove the trial and set us on high if we remain faithful to Him through the trial. 

Our Scripture says, Yahweh sends poverty and wealth.  He also humbles and He exalts.  God's ways are unique and unlike man's ways, in that if you're at the height of your relationship with Him, you may have to go through a fiery trial.  Take Abraham:  his relationship with God was really at a zenith for God had blessed him with everything, even a son who would be his descendent through whom Abraham would become the father of countless children as the Lord had told him whilst showing him the stars in the sky.   Then suddenly, God commanded him to take Isaac and sacrifice him!  To you and me, when we read this in retrospect, it seems Abraham was ready at once to obey God.  But what would've been going on in his mind. It would've been the most trying time of his life.  Abraham probably was around 120-125 years at that time; old and tired as well.  But yet he didn't vacillate but went as God told him, to sacrifice Isaac –with a heavy heart and an anguish laden countenance.  What a trial – but then God exalted him.  He stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac and confirmed His promise of making Abraham a great man with many descendents, swearing by Himself!!!  

We too who're close to God are tried by Him and let me tell you; it would be a gross understatement to say that the trial is tough…it is very, very painful and sometimes you wonder when it will all end and some even consider death to be the sweet exit from it.  But remember God knows and He then remembers and if you've borne the trial of both humiliation and poverty with grit and confidence in Him, He will deliver you and raise you.  He will send untold wealth toward you and He will exalt you so that you may go through the world bringing glory to His Name, who alone is God and who alone is to be worshipped and glorified.  As for me, I know my Redeemer lives and He will redeem me and I will glorify Him in all the earth for the trial I face is not to be the end of me, but one through which I will find the opportunity to bless and worship and glorify His Name.  Amen.