PrintOur Journey Through The Valley (32)
19 July, 2013
"The trial of faith" Man, how many times have I preached on that subject over the last 40 + years? It has not been a theoretical exercise, either. Trials we have had. Financial. Betrayal. Health. Relationships. But we have never faced a trial like the one that confronts us now.
This trial offers no options. With this disease there is only one way and that is down. Forget about chemotherapy. There is no silver bullet. No medication.
In my darker moments when I see my wife now unable to walk without her walker (and that is soon to be replaced by a power chair and an electric shuttle or scooter), I feel like I am watching a death sentence being executed on Bev. Yes, I know I've told you that we are being upheld and sustained. And we are. It's just that every so often...... People tell me that my faith inspires them. If only they could be there for one of those "every so often"s.??!!
But every day we wake up, look at each other and say to each other, "We have another day and we have grace for this day". This "grace resource" is the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. It is absolutely for this one day. There are no left-overs from yesterday's supply and we can't take an advance on tomorrow's grace. No, today's grace (like the Manna in the wilderness) is for today alone. It's adequate. It's sufficient.
But this grace doesn't protect us from the trial of faith. It doesn't employ some spiritual 'force field' that sees us safely through untouched by the evils all around us. As I recall, it's Peter who says that the trial of our faith is much more precious than gold. Interesting set of values, Pete! So, these trials of our faith are not haphazard, uncontrollable , demon-inspired cosmic jokes.
There may be temporary pain in the long term purpose. Even Jesus experienced that reality.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:2-3
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