trials Archives – Page 2 of 3 – Sonshine's Journal

March 17, 2023March 17, 2023

The Wheels of Justice

Deut 17-20 Our US system of justice follows these patterns that Moses gave the Israelites. Just like then, so today, we must not judge a person based on the evidence of one witness but rather have at least two. This is impartial judging and brings forth truth rather than what is false.

Any death is a tragedy, but those that occur without a witness are even more so. At that time, just as now, a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty. That is why Moses set aside several cities of refuge where a person could flee in those times when there were no witnesses. How gracious is our God to provide these places where one could flee and live unharmed until the truth could be revealed. Those cities were also a place where even a true murderer could flee, but if and when the truth revealed that this person was certainly guilty, then the avenger could go and get him with a “posse” and bring him to justice.

God is concerned about a person’s life and reputation. God is honored when we listen and obey our judicial system.

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

Trials, Tests, and Challenges

Gen 21-24

We all face these at one time or another, but it is our response that catches the eye of God. How do you face car problems or rats in your attic? These are our everyday challenges, but Abraham had a much bigger test, and it was to see how much he would trust God. If God asked you to slay your child, what would you do? Would you be like Abraham, who told Isaac: God will provide the lamb for the burnt offering? [Gen 22:8] Would you honestly believe his words, “we will worship and then return to you?” Would you vacillate in your thinking or stand firm? I doubt many of us have faced such a tough test as Abraham, but we can glean some principles for the tests we do face.

First, we have to trust God that He knows us as He knew Abraham and Job, blameless and upright men who feared God. So that brings us to the next question; how big is your fear of God? Is it a fear that means you are afraid or a fear that means you reverence Him and, therefore, can trust Him? The psalmist wrote: Yes, indeed, the man who fears the Lord will be blessed in this way. [Ps 128:4]

If your fear is that of being afraid, pray and ask God to change it to a reverential fear so He can bless you. (I need to do that more often than I would like to admit) .

November 1, 2022November 1, 2022

Trials ask us to define; which person are you?

Luke 22-24 The Test
With his masterful pen and supreme ability to describe events with such clarity, Dr. Luke leaves us breathless and wondering. Which character in the Resurrection story speaks to my heart?

Am I the betrayer like Judas? NO, for there was one and only one. Do I see myself as Peter denying Jesus in the courtyard amongst unbelievers? At times probably, but then when the rooster crows, I know that at that moment, the prayers of my Lord have come true. My faith may have wavered but not forever, and it now has become more assertive. Do I see myself as the woman who went to the tomb? Do I see and still not understand? I see, but when I tell others, they remain unbelieving. My heart knows the truth even if others do not. Do I see myself as Cleopas and the other disciple eating dinner with Jesus, and then my heart burns within me for questioning what I should have understood but did not? Jesus’ love overcomes, and my excitement grows, so I go and tell.

This is my story. Where do you see yourself in the Resurrection Story?

December 20, 2021December 20, 2021

How to Endure Polishing

Just as atone endures polishing treatment so do you

1Peter 1 to 5 For some reason, we think that when we accept Christ as Savior, our world will be “sunny-side” up. We fail to realize that just as stone must endure the trial of polishing to shine, you too are polished through trials. Our lives come with both blessing and suffering.

Perhaps Peter was recalling his own experience before the religious leaders who unjustly imprisoned him and John. Upon their release, the early church responded: “And now, Lord, pay attention to their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your message with great courage.” [Acts 4:29]

Just like Peter and John, we may be called to face mistreatment just because we have chosen to follow Christ. So, don’t be surprised when you face fiery trials but rejoice that you are called to suffer for His Name. Therefore, prepare your heart and mind ahead of time to face them. Remember to be holy, for you are called to be holy. Love fervently, abstain from fleshly lusts, submit to the ordinances of men and live humbly.

Remember, you are a testament to God’s work in you. Each trial will polish you to shine as a gem in Christ’s kingdom.

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021

James, A Practical Book

James 1 to 5 Trials Abound, but God is greater than any trial.

James knows that life comes with trials, and each trial proves whether our faith is true or false. and how we handle a trial proves where our faith is. He begins with this statement; “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [trials].” [James 1:2] That is the foundation. You either prove your faith by facing a trial with a joyful spirit, or you don’t. Agreed, trials are NOT FUN! We want them to go away, but James says we should be joyful because there are different trials that everyone will face. What we need is practical advice for each one so we can pass them and be successful.

James begins by laying the foundation: Be joyful. Unfortunately, we get ‘hung up on the “why” when God wants us to know the “how.” First, go to God! Seek His face! Ask Him what to do and how to do it! That is a beautiful lesson from James. Then step by step, James takes us through the various trials of life we all face, and his advice for each one.

There is a life lesson here for all of us: Study and memorize the book of James so you can discern the trial and seek the wisdom of God to know how to face it and pass the test He has allowed.

October 23, 2021October 23, 2021

The Faith Kernel is Tested

John 7 and 8 If you plant a kernel of wheat in the ground, it cannot grow without tender care. Nicodemus was given that kernel with the words “you must be born again.” [Jn 3] Now, it is months later, and that kernel of faith has been growing in small incremental steps. Will it pass the test of the doctrine of men? He steps up to the religious leaders whose intent is to kill Jesus and asks them this question: “Our law doesn’t condemn a man unless it first hears from him and learns what he is doing, does it?” [Jn 7:51] But in an instant, he is silenced! “Investigate carefully and you will see that no prophet comes from Galilee!” [Jn 7:52]

How often do we hear challenges to our kernel of faith, and when put on the spot we too are silenced. They were the religious leaders and should have recalled that both Jonah and Nahum were from Galilee and were prophets called by God. But, when you are intent on your way, no amount of evidence will sway you otherwise.

Nicodemus might have been silenced then, but when Christ is crucified, it is he and Joseph of Arimathea who take his body down and place it lovingly in a tomb. Nicodemus’ faith had grown exponentially.

Be sure of this; each faith kernel will be tested. Is your kernel of faith growing?

March 11, 2021March 11, 2021

Beware of Disobedience

Deut 1 There will always be those who seek to discourage us in the battle that God has set before us. God permitted the Israelites to “spy” out the land. They brought back evidence to God’s gracious words of a land of milk and honey. They saw the evidence, but it was not enough. The giants loomed in their minds, and so they brought back a bad report. Satan uses the giants in our lives to discourage us and cause us not to trust God. But, God is greater than any giant, and Caleb and Joshua were a testimony to how they saw them. Do we see the giants in our life as impediments to stepping forward to victory? Do we let him cause us to waver and forget the faithfulness of God in the past? James reminds us of that principle: he who wavers is unstable and God will not bless. [James 1 paraphrased]

The Israelites had an opportunity to trust God, but they chose not to. Thus, God removed His protection from them when they decided they had sinned but would go forward. If we choose disobedience when He specifically says obey, we will not be blessed. God gives us tests to see if we will obey. How presumptuous to think God will provide us with a second chance to obey? [Psalm 19:13] Do not tempt God!

Tough words to live by, but they are a reminder of God’s will for our lives and what He expects us to do.

March 4, 2021March 4, 2021

God Tests Balaam & Us

Numbers 22 Just as we test metals to determine their worth, so God tests our hearts to know it’s worth, and as Paul prayed, so should we: That “our God will make [us] worthy of His calling.” [2Thess 1:11] Enter Balaam, the son of Beor, a false diviner whose worth will be proven. When the Moabite King sent a delegation, God intervened by asking Balaam, “Who are these men?” Balaam kept up a dialog with God about them, and on the surface, it seems that he was obeying. However, as we see, Balaam fell headlong into the temptation of earthly riches, which was more potent than obeying God. Like many today, Balaam tried to appear righteous by his answer that he could not curse Israel, but his actions prove the opposite. Balaam sought ways to obey God and yet get the riches the King offered.

The last test came when God explicitly tested Balaam when he said: “if” these men have come to call you, get up and go with them. But Balaam didn’t wait for the “if” clause and instead got up and went.

Today God tests our hearts just as He did Balaam’s. Therefore, we must ask God for his wise counsel and we must stand firm. God gives us tests to discern if we will obey His voice or our own.

January 27, 2021January 27, 2021

“Scripture Reigns!”

Genesis 44 and 45 As 21st-century believers, we are more apt to study the NT over the OT but hidden in the OT are the truths that the NT reveals. Take, for example, the life of Joseph. His faithfulness in the times of suffering without complaint but seeking to understand the why is ever-present. Perhaps that was on James’ mind when he wrote: “the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But he must ask in faith without doubting.” [James 1:3-5]

In a time of intense temptation, God did indeed provide a way of escape. [1Cor 10:13] We may not have called false imprisonment the way out, but God used that time to hone Joseph to be a master organizer and leader. Who would have thought? Joseph’s faith was tested, and his words attest to that: “How could I do such a great evil and sin against God.”[Gen 39:9] In and out of the prison-house, Joseph honored God before his fellow prisoners and Pharaoh as he testified, “don’t interpretations belong to God?” [Gen 40:8]

When you are facing suffering or a trial, cling to these verses of comfort, knowing that God’s truth is “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”[Rom 8:28]

January 21, 2021January 21, 2021

“Trust God’s Timing and Plan!”

Ge 27 to 29: Isaac and Rebekah were praying parents, yet they seemed to have become impatient in their old age. Much like Sara and Abraham, they decided that God wasn’t doing things on “their” timetable, or surely God had forgotten the “plan.” Jacob is to receive the blessing according to the prophecy yet the seeds of deception which began in the Garden are still alive and well. “Isaac loved Esau…but Rebekah loved Jacob.” [Gen 25:28]That set the stage for the enemy to continue his web of deception and lies; hoodwinking us into thinking this is really what we should do. “Is it really true that God said…” [Gen 3:1] And so, Isaac and Rebekah took matters into their own hands. Surely God must remember that the firstborns are to receive the family and covenantal blessing, right? There is a warning here: God’s plans are higher than ours. [Is 55:9] Isaac’s plan to deceive will soon be circumvented by Rebekah’s, and the pattern will continue for years to come. What a tangled web we weave when we first set out to deceive.

How often are you and I, like Isaac and Rebekah, saying yes to God but later thinking God needs our help to complete the plan. How easily Satan can deceive us to follow his plan and not God’s. Isaiah reminds us that God’s plans are superior to ours. He tests us to see if we will wholly trust both the timetable and the plan! [Is 55:9-12]

Principle: Don’t get out ahead of God.