In and From

    Unsolvable problems.  Insurmountable obstacles.  Immovable obstructions.  Unfillable voids.  Without these and other challenges that reveal the true nature of our dependence, we would never consider the necessity of trusting and submitting ourselves to God.

     "Before I was afflicted, I went astray.  But now have I kept Thy word" (Psalm 119:67).

    Would that we might consistently walk with our Heavenly Father apart from challenges, and one day we shall.  But this is not that day.  The Lord thus measures His determinations and allowances of trouble to come our way according to His perfect love, wisdom, purpose and power.  Certainly, our blessings draw us to God and reveal His wonderful kindness,devotion, generosity and tender mercies.  Our buffetings, however, also draw us to God in the revelation of those same Divine qualities. Moreover, we discover His marvelous capacity to deliver us no less in the fire than from the fire.  Indeed, the three young men of the book of Daniel would have seen the power of God had He delivered them from Nebuchaddnezzar's fiery furnace.  They saw the Lord Himself because He chose instead to meet them in the flames.  The wicked king also saw in the blaze he lit a King far greater than himself.  "Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God" (Daniel 3:25).

    God awaits us in our furnaces.  His protecting presence assures that the flames that do not consume us with fire illuminate us with light.  We presently require such experience if we are to truly walk with Him in consistent recognition of His supply and our need.  Certainly, we look forward to that Heavenly day when our glorified sensibilities will eliminate the need for refining fires.  Again, however, this is not that day.  This is rather that day and time when buffeting as well as blessing reveals the glory of the Lord Jesus in necessary ways of grace, truth, and love.

"We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
(Acts 14:22)