Hold Fast

"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and have not turned aside."
~Job 23:10-11

Job had a few problems in life, and I think we can all relate to one extent or another. Life leads us down some rough paths once in a while. We experience loss in life from the loss of dreams to the loss of jobs, marriages, and loved ones. Nothing is ever certain no matter how carefully we plan, and being a Christian is not an exemption from the pain of life. However, it is a guarantee that God will see us through no matter how rough the storm gets.

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7)."

The trials of life test us - our character and our faith, and shows us what we are made of. God allows us to experience the "downs" in life for a couple of reasons: 1) It builds our faith and dependence on God 2) It builds our character 3) It gives us a greater appreciation for the "ups" in life. Going through the valley and climbing the mountain is never easy, but standing on that mountaintop is glorious and exhilarating.

It doesn't matter what you're going through right now, or where you are. Whether you live in the White House, the wrong side of the tracks, or if you're sitting in prison - God is the same everywhere. He is looking for faithfulness that is tried and true, refined by fire and ready to move forward. Wallowing in your past or your misfortune will get you no where in life, or with God. But He also knows our limits, our ability to endure, and He makes a way out even when we can't see one. God wants us to succeed and come through stronger and better than before.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13)."

No weapon formed against you will stand (Isaiah 54:17) when the Lord is on your side. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, He is always on your side and has a plan for your life. Hold fast to His steps, keep the faith, do not turn aside and your reward will be greater than any you could imagine.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

Read Numbers 8-10
(Weekend reading Numbers 11-15

A Year of Blessings by Marie McGaha ©2018