TRIALS AND OBEDIENCE (Part 2).
SONG
If it had not been for your grace
Ore ofe sha ni mo ri gba o
If it had not been for your mercy
Aanu sha ni mo ri
TEXT
"O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel." (Jeremiah 18 verses 4 to 6).
Challenges may seem painful in nature. But often, they are tools that bring out the best in us.
Looking at the parable of the potter and the clay, the potter must have to apply pressure on the clay in order to fashion it into a great and desired shape. In like manner, God's Hand is upon us to bring out the best in us. The aim is to make us effective and productive. Besides, God aims at fashioning us that we might attain the full purpose of our creation. Therefore, we must learn to yield and follow His dealings with us.
For us that are God's children, moments of trial should serve to draw us nearer to our Him, because the end of it is to our benefit. The Bible says in the book of Hosea 6 vers 1 "Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up."
Indeed, it's only God Who can fix us perfectly without error.
I will want us to understand that our experiences in life, whether pleasant or unpleasant, are like threads woven into beautiful patterns of God’s divine purpose concerning us. Let us trust in His wisdom amidst trials because He sees the entirety of the picture; while we often perceive but a small fragment of it.
When we encounter difficulties, let us recall the story of Joseph, as we stated in our previous message. He was sold into slavery by his brethren. Though he faced great adversity, he remained steadfast in faith. In due season, he came to understand that what was meant for harm, God intended for good (Genesis 50 verse 20). Such trust teaches us that even in our darkest hours, God's Hand is at work, guiding our paths toward a greater and a better picture.
Amidst our moments of trials, patience is cultivated, humility is nurtured, and faith is deepened. Each trial we go through serves as a stepping stone, leading us closer to our divine calling.
There were moments in my life that trials led to my growth in faith and divine revelation. These have served to boost my trust in the Lord's wisdom and purpose. They have also strengthened my faith in regards to times that are yet to come. Hallelujah!
PRAYER:
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your ever present grace in times of challenges. In the end, I shall not disappoint You, in Jesus' Mighty name.