That we might rely on God

oh Lord, save us!

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many."
(2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

How great is our God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he hears the prayers of many, responds in a mighty way, and causes the many to wonder at his great deeds. Oh, Lord, thank you that your power is so great that it delivers even from death. We have seen you intervene, so we set our hope on your continued deliverance. What God is so great as you?

Our Lord may use adversity to bear in us the fruit of reliance on Him. He wants us to know and rejoice in the power of His deliverance. He wills that we experience His faithfulness as we rely not on ourselves but on Him. He has determined that His people see His trustworthiness. If our hope is in Him, we will not be disappointed.

I conclude in reading the above quoted verse that there is a special grace given when many people are praying for one in dire circumstances that God's glory may be publicly displayed. All the more reason for us believers to pray together for one another.

Dear Jesus, remind me in times of adversity, that you are faithful to the one who hopes in you. Oh Spirit of God, encourage me through my trials that those who wait upon you will not be disappointed. Oh heavenly Father, continue to demonstrate to me that I need to be afraid to rely on you.

Ultimate Salvation

One of the verses from the beloved hymn Amazing Grace says, "Through many, dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home." How true are His words from Psalm 50, "Call on me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you and you will honor me." This is allegorically demonstrated in the well-beloved centuries-old classic Pilgrims Progress as Christian and his companion make their way from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City and face many trials and deliverances along the way. If you haven't read the book, it is a definite MUST for any true pilgrim. Read as they battle the Giant of Despair and escape from Vanity Fair and many other adventures figurative of the life of a christian pilgrim.

The reason we pilgrims have hope in this world's valley of the shadow of death is that it has been granted unto us ultimate salvation; true deliverance in the cross of Christ: "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Though we live in a realm destined for destruction, our hope and faith are in "Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath" (1 Thessalonians 1:10):

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. (2 Peter 3:10-13)

All of my trials and hardships that I face are temporary. If my road is weary in this life but I inherit everlasting life in eternity then how can I be dismayed. If my way is easy in this life but I perish in chains of darkness in the forever, how can I really be happy in the here and now?

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26

Think about eternity. That's what really matters! Enter through the door that leads to eternal life: the Lord Jesus.

Such a Savior

One truth that has been a anchor to my heart is that our Lord refers to Himself as a Savior--one who saves. What a comfort this is to one one needs to be rescued! God reveals himself as one who delights to save. He loves to demonstrate His power and compassion in delivering those who wait on Him from seemingly unescapable perils:

"But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33:18)

Throughout the Bible, we find story after story and promise after promise of God's deliverance. I am putting my hope and trust in the one wants to demonstrate his power on behalf of those who are waiting for Him.

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4)

To the God who takes pleasure in demonstrating nothing is impossible for Him be all praise! O Lord, complete the good work you have begun with our baby Brent's deliverance from death for nothing is too difficult for you. You have shown us your great and mighty works and we wait on you for complete delieverance. Thank you, Lord Jesus, Amen.

The testing of faith

We don't need to go far in the Christian life to experience what the Bible calls the testing of our faith.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

Notice that the Bible ties this testing to trials we face. How do trials test our faith and what does it mean to have our faith tested?

During Brent's stay at the hospital, we experienced ups and downs. When Brent was on one of his upswings, we assumed he would continue to progress at the same rate. Then he would experience a setback and those doubts would come flooding in. Negative thoughts would attack my mind like a relentless enemy.

What I have found is that no matter how ingrained it appears to be in my heart during the times of blessing that God is good, that I am reconciled to Him through Christ and that He cares for me, during trying times doubt confronts my faith in these truths. Questions come up such as 'Does God really care for me'? If God is good, why am I suffering? Maybe God is really angry with me and judging me.

During one of these low points at the hospital, I remember sitting in the chapel praying to God. I remember becoming distracted from prayer by troubling 'what if' thoughts. As I followed these thoughts to their conclusion I began to feel embittered toward the God that I love as if he were becoming my enemy and planning my demise.

Then I began to come to my senses. First, these were only my imaginations. The 'worst scenario' I was entertaining was not something that had came to pass, it was merely in the realm of possibilty. So I was becoming disappointed with God for something that did not even take place. Why was I assuming that just because of a setback that God was not going to bring about delieverance in the end? Why was I assuming that His goodness had failed just because of the present adversity that could just as well be temporary?

I remember having to fight against the negative thoughts and say to myself, 'No! God is good. This is the faith that resides in my heart that I received from Him. He tells me to trust in him and he has not failed me.' It was a decision of faith to continue to trust in him though the present circumstance did not look good.

But you know what, God can change any circumstance in a instant. Though the clouds are big and black, it only takes a small amount of wind to blow them away to make room for the shining sun. He promises in Scripture, "call on me during the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me" (Psalm 50:15). And God was faithful. It was shortly after this that a group of Christians came to the hospital and we joined them in a time of group prayer crying out to God. Shortly after this, things began to turn around for Brent! God had not failed. We trusted and were not disappointed.

The fact is that God allows our faith to be tested to prove that it is genuine. Faith in the midst of the darkness becomes a crown in the light. Some Bible verses:

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. " (James 1:12)

"...now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
(1 Peter 1:6-7)

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 5:8-11)

"I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I [Jesus] will give you the crown of life."
(Revelation 2:10)

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I [Jesus] have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
(Luke 22:31-32)

I need always ignore the demonic temptation thoughts that say that God is not good nor am I in his good favor. For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for all my sins for that through faith in Him I am forgiven and reconciled to him. Any hardship that comes my way, therefore, is not the judgement of God, but the testing of my faith. By His strength and through His Spirit, He will continue to guide me into all truth and protect me from the flaming darts of doubt that Satan shoots my way until that day when we will be safe for ever in heaven.

John

Welcome to my new blog

Welcome to my blog! I hope you will follow my spiritual journey as I share my heart, my hope, my struggles and most of all my faith. This blog was spun off from our other blog, dealing our son Brent who almost died in January of this year (2006) from ruptured liver tumor. His story, our story is found at:

http:://brent-emery.blogspot.com

If you are stopping by, I invite you to leave a comment to say hi

God bless,
John