Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (ESV)
Tests
The tests and trials of life can sometimes be overwhelming. There is phrase that I often heard growing up: “God won’t allow you to go through more than you can handle.” Hmm . . . is that so? I know that God does not tempt us to sin nor does He dump trashcans of moral evil on our heads. He is holy and good. Yet He does test us in His omniscient love. And if rely on our own strength during any divine tests, we will certainly fail every time.
God tested Abraham by asking him to offer up his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. Moses endured testing when he went without food. The children of Israel were tested in the wilderness for 40 years. The prophet Elijah ran from Jezebel and experienced thirst and hunger out in the wild.
How are you being tested during this special season of life? And how do you overcome trials that are overwhelming?
I find great comfort in the fact that long ago; Jesus lasted in the wild for forty days. It is easy to picture the landscape if you live in the Intermountain West. He lived among the wild animals—jackals, cougars, dogs, etc. And during all this time, with nothing to physically satisfy his hunger and thirst, he battled the full strength of satanic opposition. Thank God for ministering angels. And thank God that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God who is victorious and the suffering Servant who completely overthrows the power of the enemy.
When facing your tests and trials, do not try to do it alone through your own strength. Go forth this day in the power of Christ’s might. He has won the victory for you! And be encouraged by this promise: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).