God is in control.

How often do we forget God’s faithfulness in times of trial?

When I read the stories of our faith, I do so with the luxury of knowing the ending. It often causes me to belittle the remarkable faith of the heroes as I unconsciously assume the hero also knew what would come of their often dire circumstances. Jonah didn’t know he would be spit back out. Job didn’t know his fortune would be restored. Esther didn’t know if she too would be exiled like her predecessor or killed. The disciples didn’t know Christ would rise again or if they too would be crucified. Knowing the end makes the trial seem less onerous, the hero’s faith feel less remarkable and therefore leaves me feeling less convicting when I face trials with wimpy my faith.

By knowing the end we forget what the hero knew in the middle. We forget what we should know in the middle. Sure we might not know what whale, furnace or trial we may have to persevere. We might not know if we will come through unscathed or become another martyr of the faith. But the great heroes of our faith knew, and we should know, God is always faithful and will give us the strength to persevere. We know we are called to be His witness and rejoice in all circumstances and that he will give us peace.

You should be challenged by these 3 guys in the book of Daniel:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)

So as you go face both large and small trials this week do so with a peace that only comes from realizing God is in control.

John Robbins