“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
God does not cause bad things to happen to us. However, when they do occur He is always present to provide His grace if we will keep our faith in Him. Remember, “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” Ephesians 5:8
Also remember that it was God’s grace that led us from darkness to light.
God’s message for all of us when we are going through challenging circumstances is the same when He spoke to Isaiah long ago. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Even though we feel weak with nothing left in the tank. God promises to hold us up and provide us with His strength.
Always remember that God keeps His promises. While the Israelites were in slavery, He came to Moses and reaffirmed the promises that He had made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to lead them to the promised land that He was preparing for them. He did not forsake them even though they had often forsaken Him. He still extended His grace and loving favor.
“The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.”
Exodus 13:21-22
GOD IS FAR TOO GRACIOUS TO FORSAKE US!
The evidence of this is clearly conveyed in the book of Esther. The Jewish nation was in grave danger. Haman, who had the ear of King Ahasuerus wanted to annihilate the entire Jewish nation. But God’s grace had a different plan! He worked it out by making Esther, a Jewish maiden queen and once she was queen she had the king’s ear and she used this position to save the Jewish nation.
Sometimes the circumstances that we face may seem overwhelming but remember that God is always present just as He was there for Esther and the nation of Israel He will be there for us as He promises.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me.” Hebrews 15:5-6; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 37:25
Let’s consider a question about our response to God’s grace by examining our own “ACT OF GRACE.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
Has this great gift motivated us to trust God even when facing, “Sever test of affliction”?
Has it filled our hearts with “Abundance of Joy” even when faced with “Extreme Poverty”?
Have we “Overflowed in a wealth of generosity” to give according to our means and beyond?
HAS OUR FAITH BEEN STRONG ENOUGH
NOT TO FORSAKE GOD?
About the author:
Don and his wife Brenda have been married 48 years. They have two married sons Jason/Crista and Nicholas/Heather and four grandsons Luke, Ryker, Blake and Drew. Don is a graduate of the Gateway School of Preaching, Fairview Heights, IL, the Bristol Roads School of Biblical Studies, Flint, MI and he has a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Michigan Christian College. He has been preaching since 1979. He has preached at Pacific, MO; Howell, MI; Arnold, MO; Festus, MO; Dexter, MO; and De Soto, MO where he has served since 2007. He also serves the congregation as one of the elders. Don has done campaigns and meetings in several states and mission work in Cuba, India, and Jamaica. Don refers to himself as a “Minister” because he loves ministering to others and helping them learn about Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.
De Soto church of Christ 