Devotional for Monday, September 12, 2016
” God’s Word Will Pass the Test”
by Dona Hake
Yesterday I shared with you about God’s Word being our shield. Let us look again at the first part of the scripture I shared with you.
Proverbs 30:5 Expanded Bible
“Every word of God ·is true [passes the test;…”
It is not until the pressures of this life are on that we truly know what we are made of. Trials and tests have a way of exposing our weaknesses or our strengths. Many times we can think we are so strong but a trial hits, and we come to realize that we are not as strong as we thought we were. God is still faithful though for it is as we call out to our true Friend that He will come and help us where we are at. It is never too late to release our faith, stand back up with His help, and go forward.
Let us look at the second verse of the very old hymn written by Joseph M. Scriven, entitled
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus.”
“Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.”
Now let us return to another scripture that we were looking at last week. At the beginning of this verse James addresses running from our tests.
James 1:2-5 (VOICE)
“Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. 5 If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking.”
God does not want us to run from our tests but rather stand firm and face them. He has given everyone of us everything we need to face any test. Again, may we continue to grow strong in knowing that we must continue to fill ourselves with God’s Word. Be diligent to acknowledge where you are weak. Ask Him to teach you and give you greater revelations that will cause you to grow in those areas of weakness that seem to hinder your faith. As we embrace His Word, our faith WILL blossom. Remember His Word is true and it always passes the test!