Thoughts for another day

Nov. 23, 2012.

Today's verse: Jn. 11:14, 15. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; (KJV)

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

All of us face some trial or other in the course of our lives.  There's not a person exempt though there're some who shy away from saying they're either undergoing or have undergone a trial and some who just don't know.  The trials God sends are usually meant to nip our erroneous ways and in it, also to get back into the circle of His light, though there may be times when God sends us trials to also fortify our faith, which we must recognize.  This brings to mind the story of a man who begged God to grant him patience. God soon sends him people and situations that stretch his patience to exercise and re-enforce it, but rather than understand the sudden spurt of angering situations, he is upset with God and asks Him why there're so many flare-ups happening with him.  God gently reminds him, 'Did you not ask Me to make you more patient?  And here, I am doing just that!' 

Many people are bogged down with their trials and most think rather adversely, imagining the worst that can happen; and to many, exactly that happens.  But those who trust God in whatever situation they are, are eased by the Grace God sends them.  Remember, God never sends us a trial, without sending us Grace in sufficient measure to bear it and in it, He also works out a great result as both generate great glory to Him; that's because He Himself provides the solution to the trial after some time and because it's proven to be the direct work of His hand, the person who bears the trial in fortitude, in turn praises Him openly for the great work done in his life.

Our Scripture today is a good example of God sending a trial to a people Jesus loved: Mary and Martha by snatching away their brother Lazarus.  To His disciples, Jesus says He is glad He wasn't there, which means that if He were there, He would work a miracle to heal Lazarus from whatever it was that took away his life, which would be but a small miracle by their reckoning.  This means that Jesus wanted to perform a greater miracle; and He does and Lazarus lives, coming back from the dead!  It's said, the greater the intensity of the trial, the greater the miracle.  So my friend, if ever you're faced with progressively more and more painful trials, remember God is at work.  Just remain calm and pray.  He will soon do such a massive work in you as to even stun and make you wonder, 'Lord, what am I, that you do such a great work in me?'