Trials: God’s revealing of the heart

Not unlike the process of sanding down through the old top finish, are trials upon our lives.

When difficulties, disappointment, and tragedy hit, our hearts are suddenly uncovered.

In those days of trial we have a continual choice.

How will we respond?

What will we prioritize?

Where does our treasure abide?

For those who have chosen to follow Jesus, scripture is clear.

We are to surrender.

Matthew 16:24 KJV — Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Dieing daily to ourselves and following Jesus is an opportunity to let go of everything we think we need.

After all Jesus had no personal possessions as He died on the cross, dead men need nothing in the grave.

We are to trust.

2 Samuel 22:3 KJV — The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Psalm 4:5 KJV — Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.

When we have nothing we are clinging to besides Jesus, our hearts are much more able to find peace.

We are to praise.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2‭-‬4 NKJV

Through rejoicing in God Almighty, we are walking in the trust and faith of true understanding that it is patience which has a perfect work in our hearts.

What are we being patient for?

The return of Christ.

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
Revelation 19:11‭-‬13 NKJV

Jesus is coming back!

As we walk through trials let us remember that God is using those things to reveal our hearts.

We should choose to cling to Jesus only.

We must confess our sins and humble ourselves before the Lord.

We can rejoice in His works, for He is good.

Then they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.
Psalms 78:35 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your faithfulness and patience. Lord, thank You for using the things of this life to teach us. Lord Jesus, please help us embrace all that life brings as an opportunity to draw closer to You. Thank You for revealing our hearts and for Your Word which teaches us how to respond. May the knowledge of the glory of God fill the Earth.

Hearts revealed

I love this!

Our friends support their family through their business and this is one of their amazing creations.

I love how their hearts are so dedicated to serving the Lord and their family.

How do I know this?

It’s revealed daily by their choices.

It’s revealed over time by their commitment to following through.

It’s especially revealed when watching them walk through trials.

Trials.

We’ve walked through a number of those and are still waiting on the Lord for some.

My husband was preparing a sermon and felt God wanted him to teach on trials and temptation.

“What’s the difference between a test/trial and temptation?” he asked.

I chewed on that.

The verses in James came to mind: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation;  for when he has been approved, he will receive the  crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God,’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” James 1:12-14 NKJV

Temptation reveals the person’s heart.

When I’m struggling with temptation it means my own desires are trying to rule me, instead of me ruling my desires.

But what about tests/trials?

Abraham’s heart was revealed when he was tested in the land of Moriah. (Gen. 22: 1-19)

Job’s heart was revealed by all the tragedy he went through. (Book of Job)

There’s more to those stories.

As I reviewed the test Abraham and Isaac went through I remembered it was a foreshadowing of what God and Jesus would do.

Then I thought about the cross.

For thousands of years the Jews had been looking for the Messiah.

When Jesus was crucified and buried I’m certain it looked like the end of everything for the disciples.

Yet, Jesus rose again and through that death and resurrection all of mankind was purchased.

No one in history to that date had an understanding of Who God is or Who Jesus is.

The worst, most undeserved punishment, what looked like utter ruin to those who loved Jesus, was actually the Greatest Moment in History.

Not only did Jesus rise and give us hope for eternal life, He smashed the picture of an angry God waiting to smite all of mankind.

Mankind feared punishment from God. He couldn’t understand that Jesus came to take what each of us deserves upon Himself.

God’s heart towards us was revealed.

–wow–

“Lord,
I am ashamed of the many times I have looked at the test/trial and whined, ‘WHY?!’ . Please forgive me for misunderstanding You. Thank You for teaching me that all these things in life are not the point. You want me to know You, to see Who You are and You are working through these things to reveal Yourself to me. Please continue to teach me how to let go of the temporary and how to cling to the eternal. Again, thank You for all You have done and are doing. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us.”