Your Daily Devotional for October 11, 2007

 

October 11,  2007

 

 

The Results of Your Trial

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

 

James 1:5-6

 

 

Horatio Spafford was a wealthy developer in Chicago during the 1860s. As a Christian, he grew in Christ under the ministry of D. L. Moody. In 1871, his faith was tested during the great Chicago fire that destroyed many of his assets. In 1873, He sent his wife and four children to England aboard the Villa De Harve and promised to follow later. In mid-ocean, they collided with another ship and Mrs. Spafford was saved alone.

 

Mr. Spafford boarded a ship to meet his wife in England. One evening, the captain of the ship said to Spafford, "We are now passing over the spot where your daughters perished." Mr. Spafford went to his cabin and wrote the words to the song "It is Well with My Soul" which read, "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well. It is well with my soul.'"

 

God brings trials into all our lives to test us and grow us closer to Him. The devil desires for us to get upset or bitter at God for these trials. As we have seen over the past few days, God has a reason for each trial and He desires that we would surrender to Him during these times. We will see today that there are also results that we will see in our lives as we remain faithful to God during trials.

 

First, trials will reveal our need for wisdom. Psalm 111:10 says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." We are more apt to gain real wisdom during a trial than at any other time. It is often during a trial when I find myself more on my knees in prayer and reading the Bible more.

 

Trials reveal our need for wisdom and our dependence upon God for help. Charles Spurgeon once said, "The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is a knowledge of our own ignorance." When we come before God with the realization that we are in desperate need of His wisdom, He will give us wisdom.

 

Second, not only will we see our need for wisdom, but we will gain that wisdom through God's Word! It's one thing to ask for wisdom but it's another thing to receive it! Second Corinthians 12:9 says, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Paul said that he would gladly endure the trials so he could draw closer to Christ.

 

As we gladly endure trials and see our need for wisdom, God will give us wisdom. We can only receive this wisdom as we are spending time in prayer and Bible-reading each day. As we receive this wisdom, God will help us make right decisions and become more like Him.

 

Last, as a result of enduring trials and keeping our focus on God, we will mature spiritually. First Thessalonians 5:23 says, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." The God of peace will establish, sanctify, and mature us as we remain faithful to Him during trials.

 

Friend, are you going through a difficult time today? Is there some trial in your life for which you cannot see God's purpose? We must remain faithful to God during these times. As we focus on Him we will see our need for wisdom and will receive His wisdom through His Word. Also we will mature spiritually and grow closer to Him. Spend time with God right now. Ask Him to help you remain faithful during your trials so you may become more like Him.

 

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Isaiah 37-38 • Colossians 3

 

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