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Trials

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Built by Jesus

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“They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me” (Psalm 18:18 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible).

The strength of a building lies in its framework and foundation. The shell of wood, steel and concrete ensures the integrity and durability of the structure. In the same way, if Jesus Christ is the sure foundation and framework around which we have built our lives, when life’s storms and calamities threaten to overwhelm us, He is our strong support!

Prayer: In my moments of fear; through every pain, every tear; You have been my tower of refuge and strength. I lean on You, Lord!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Victim to Victor

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How often have you said, “I just wish someone understood me?” This verse reminds us once again that God really does understand what we are going through. Jesus is no stranger to pain and suffering.

“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when I think of the rejection and agony You experienced on the cross, all of my difficulties fade in comparison. You became a victim, so I could be a victor. Thank You, Lord!

Devotion by Julie Long

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Precious Lessons

2 Mins Read

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

How many times have we heard, “Why didn’t He help me sooner?” It is not His order. He must first adjust you to the trouble and cause you to learn from it. God’s promise is, “I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.” He must be with you in the trouble day and night, and then He will take you out of it. This doesn’t come until you have stopped fretting and have become calm and quiet. Then He will say, “It is enough.”

God uses trouble to teach His children precious lessons. They are intended to educate us. There is a sweet joy and real value in them. He doesn’t regard them as difficulties, but as opportunities.

Not always OUT of our troublous times,
And the struggles fierce and grim,
But IN – deeper IN –
To our sure rest,
The place of our peace, in Him.

by Annie Johnson Flint

Prayer: Mighty God, I feel as though You are putting me through a time of testing and I don’t want to miss the lesson You want me to learn. I take You at Your Word. Let my life prove that Your promises are always fulfilled! Amen.

Devotion by Susan Tracy

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The School of Hardknocks

2 Mins Read

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

God keeps a costly school. Many of its lessons are spelled out through tears. This school of our heavenly Father will soon close for us; the term time is shortening every day. We cannot shrink from the hard lessons or wince under the rod of chastisement.

“The richer will be the crown, and the sweeter will be heaven, if we endure cheerfully to the end and graduate in glory.” – Theodore Cuyler

Did you know that the finest china in the world is burned at least three times, some more. Why does it go through that intense fire? Once ought to be enough; twice ought to be enough. But no, three times is necessary to burn the china so that the gold and the crimson are brought out more beautifully and fastened there to stay.

“We are fashioned after the same principle in human life. Our trials are burned into us once, twice, thrice, and by God’s grace these beautiful colors are there to stay forever.” – Cortland Myers

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my difficult circumstances as a refining fire that can make me more like You if I respond correctly. Please give me the grace to trust You; the strength to endure; and the peace of God to ease the way through to a victorious end either in this life or in the one to come! Amen.

Devotion by Susan Tracy

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Refine

1 Min Read

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (I Peter 1:7 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)

Who wants to go through trials? It hurts when the fire burns away the dull outer layers of my life. But, oh, how beautiful it is when the gold shines through to reflect God’s glory!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for being my refiner! I can get through this for You are with me during this test of my faith. Amen.

Devotion by Julie Long

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Reflecting Jesus

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“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” (1 Peter 1:7). Who wants to go through trials? It hurts when the fire…

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