Here is a excerpt from a message I preached a few years ago.
May these words bless you.
Conquer Your Doubt: This Test is For Your Good
Deuteronomy 8.11-16
July 10, 2016
“On December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine published the first of his sixteen American Crisis pamphlets, written to stir a reluctant colonial population into resisting British oppression. He opened with words that still echo 240 years later: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer solider and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink [from service]; but he that stands it now deserves [love and thanks].”
As we look upon this week’s senseless, violent acts, some call this a moment of tragedy. Others call it turmoil. I [choose to] call it a moment of testing. Because unlike tragedy, which brings sorrow, and turmoil, which brings instability, testing brings steadfastness– and steadfastness is exactly what we need. To be steadfast means that in spite of the trouble and the tests around me, I refuse to take my eyes off the goal ahead of me.
…Moses tells the second generation of Israelites, standing at the edge of the Promised Land, “Don’t forget the Lord.” Before I take you to the next level, I want to be certain your allegiance rests in God, not in the things around you– because just as God gave it to you, God can take it away.
Your testing place isn’t about proving what you’re made of– it’s about revealing God’s power at work in your life. God is not seen in your strengths; He is demonstrate through your weaknesses. Once God has proven us, He then promotes us. He’s already led you out of Egpt, delivered you from the house of bondange, kept you in dry places and hungry places- and because you made it out of that, you know you’re going ot be alright. The worst is behind you. The best is still yet to come.”
Graced and Grateful,
jsb