From Job’s history, we learn that steadiness of mind and heart under trial, is one of the highest attainments of faith. There is little exercise for faith when all things go well.
But if God raises a storm, permits the enemy to send wave after wave, and seemingly stands aloof from our prayers, then, still to hang on and trust God, when we cannot trace him, this is the patience of the saints.
Blessed Saviour! how sweet it is to look unto thee, the Author and Finisher of faith, in such moments!
Our times ahead will be troubling but those who are abiding in the Lord may rest peacefully knowing they are being reshaped and refined into a metal of our Lord’s choosing.
1 Corinthians 10:13
[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Nothing in Scripture is written in vain; and it is our wisdom and duty to learn from it. Others have fallen, and so may we. The Christian’s security against sin is distrust of himself.
God has not promised to keep us from falling if we do not look to ourselves. To this word of caution, a word of comfort is added. Others have the like burdens, and the like temptations: what they bear up under, and break through, we may also. God is wise as well as faithful and will make our burdens according to our strength. He knows what we can bear. He will make a way to escape; he will deliver either from the trial itself, or at least the mischief of it.
We have full encouragement to flee from sin, and to be faithful to God. We cannot fall by temptation if we cleave fast to him. Whether the world smiles or frowns, it is an enemy; but believers shall be strengthened to overcome it, with all its terrors and enticements. The fear of the Lord, put into their hearts, will be the great means of safety.
Those who rightly know God, will set their love upon him. They by prayer constantly call upon him. His promise is, that he will in due time deliver the believer out of trouble, and in the meantime be with him in trouble. The Lord will manage all his worldly concerns, and preserve his life on earth, so long as it shall be good for him. For encouragement in this he looks unto Jesus. He shall live long enough; till he has done the work he was sent into this world for and is ready for heaven. Who would wish to live a day longer than God has some work to do, either by him or upon him? A man may die young yet be satisfied with living. But a wicked man is not satisfied even with long life. At length, the believer’s conflict ends; he is done forevermore with trouble, sin, and temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:13
[13] There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Robert
TRUMPETER'S CALL 
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