Wherefore hast Thou afflicted Thy servant? Numbers 11:11
Our heavenly Father sends us frequent troubles to try our faith. If our faith be worth anything, it will stand the test. Gilt is afraid of fire, but gold is not: the paste gem dreads to be touched by the diamond, but the true jewel fears no test. It is a poor faith which can only trust God when friends are true, the body full of health, and the business profitable; but that is true faith which holds by the Lord's faithfulness when friends are gone, when the body is sick, when spirits are depressed, and the light of our Father's countenance is hidden.
A faith which can say, in the direst trouble, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him," is heaven-born faith. The Lord afflicts His servants to glorify Himself, for He is greatly glorified in the graces of His people, which are His own handiwork. When "tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope," the Lord is honoured by these growing virtues.
We should never know the music of the harp if the strings were left untouched; nor enjoy the juice of the grape if it were not trodden in the winepress; nor discover the sweet perfume of cinnamon if it were not pressed and beaten; nor feel the warmth of fire if the coals were not utterly consumed. The wisdom and power of the great Workman are discovered by the trials through which His vessels of mercy are permitted to pass.
Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy. There must be shades in the picture to bring out the beauty of the lights. Could we be so supremely blessed in heaven, if we had not known the curse of sin and the sorrow of earth? Will not peace be sweeter after conflict, and rest more welcome after toil? Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified? There are many other comfortable answers to the question with which we opened our brief meditation, let us muse upon it all day long.
Today's Bible Verse...
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.—Exodus 15:13
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
As
a minister, I am privileged to be present at many of the most important
events in people's lives. Good or bad, to be there at the crossroads of
life is a sacred trust. In those moments that are hardest, dying and
death, verses like this one fill my heart with strength and remind me
why I answered a call to serve in waters way above my head. God's
promise here is a great reminder that what he began when he redeemed his
people out of Egypt, he would also complete by bringing them into the
Promised Land. Now, we can hear a more powerful promise behind these
words. We can find it even more reasonable to trust them. God did what
he said for Israel. Since he did for them, can't we say with confidence,
"I know you will guide us to your holy dwelling?"
My Prayer...
Tender Shepherd, you have led me through some very difficult times and brought me safely through. Now as I seek to live for you, please make your presence known. I truly believe that you are guiding me to your holy dwelling, but sometimes, I must confess, the way becomes difficult and faith becomes hard. Renew my courage, O Lord, just as you did with reluctant Moses and untested Joshua. Then, dear Lord, please use me to help others find your promise and their way home to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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