My ways are higher than your ways...

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for—but everything I had hoped for…
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among all men most richly blessed.

~Unknown Civil War Soldier

(Isaiah 55:9)

The Safety of His Absolute Control

"So in the present case, I say to you, stay away…for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."


~ Acts 5:38-39 ~

A Test From God

Genesis 22:1-12

Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you." So Abraham rose early in the morning…and went to the place of which God had told him….stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. …But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said…"now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me."

"What is God's purpose as He tests us?"

2 Chronicles 32:31
"God left him to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."

1. To test the strength of our faith that we might know where our strength is, or isn't.
2. To humble us, lest we think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we should.
3. To wean us away from worldly things.
4. To call us to a heavenly hope so that we live in the above and not in the below.
5. To reveal what we really love.
6. To teach us to value the blessing of God and to appreciate it as it comes to us out of the times of suffering.
7. To enable us to help others in their trial, to bear one another's burdens.
8. To develop enduring strength for greater usefulness so that God can thrust us into greater places of ministry and effectiveness.

Now aren't these all worthwhile purposes? All of these fit into the plan of God by His grace. But the question still lingers in your mind, as it does mine..."I know they're going to come and I know all of these things are God's purposes...and He wants to accomplish all of this. I can buy that. But it still doesn't answer the question: how do I get through it in the middle of it? How do I make it through? It's fine to have all this in place on a list in my sermon notes - how do I get through that trial?" And that's where James 1:2-12 really speaks to the heart.

The Means to Persevering in a Trial are:

1. A joyous attitude. "My brethren, count it all joy..."
2. An understanding mind, "Knowing this..." that this test is producing something.
3. A submissive will, "Let patience have its perfect work." In other words, let it happen because God is at work.
4. A believing heart (in verses 5 to 8). Ask God for what you need. And ask (verse 6 says), in...what?...in faith. You have to have a believing heart to believe that God has a purpose and that He will supply everything you need for that trial.
5. And finally (in verses 9-11), a humble spirit.

You persevere through trials with a joyous attitude, an understanding mind, a submissive will, a believing heart and a humble spirit.

~John MacArthur, "The Purpose of Trials" sermon

The Lord Has Promised Good To Me

"The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

as long as life endures."

~John Newton

"To One In Trouble"

"I want to give you a word that helped me all yesterday and will help me today. It is the 'through' of Psalm 84:6 and of Isaiah 43:2, taken with Song of Songs 8:5.*

We are never staying in the valley or the rough waters; we are always only passing through them, just as the bride in the Song of Songs is seen coming up from the wilderness leaning on her Beloved.

So whatever the valley is, or however rough the waters are, we won't fear. Leaning on our Beloved we shall come up from the wilderness and, as Psalm 84:6 says, even use the valley as a well, make it a well. We shall find the living waters there and drink of them."

~ Amy Carmichael, from "Candles In The Dark"

* Psalm 84:6 - Passing through the valley of Weeping they make it a place of springs (A.V. - make it a well).

Isaiah 43:2 - When though passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee.

Song of Songs 8:5 - Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?

"Don't Waste Your Life" ~John Piper

"Slaves For Christ" ~John MacArthur

Slaves for Christ - John MacArthur from I'll Be Honest on Vimeo.