Monday, December 22, 2014

Facing a Test and God's Promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13

"Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it" (Good News Translation; New American Standard Bible).

This verse points out that we all face tests on this fallen sinful planet to one degree or another by way of a
  • trial,
  • trouble,
  • tribulation or
  • terribly horrific ordeal.
Whatever the intensity of the test, the promise is given that our faithful God will provide the spiritual strength to endure it and thereby pass the test, when we keep trusting Him.  The "way of escape" may not be out from under the test but always must include renewing our faith and confidence in the Word of God and His promises, knowing that He will provide endurance when we are trusting in Him to do so.

Sometimes we might think that the test is too much.  It just seems that there is no hope and we cannot see how God will see us through it.  When this is where we are, the key to renewing faith in God is to bring ourselves to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ and remember what our God did for us there.  Bring to mind that He chose to come to this wretched sinful world as a man to serve us.  Keep in mind what we are told in Philippians 2:

" . . . Although Christ Jesus existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God something to which He would completely hold on to, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

When we focus on the truth of the depth of God's love for us that He so clearly demonstrated by being united with true humanity so that He could serve us and deliver us from sin and its effects by His suffering and death, this should help us renew our trust in Him to see us through the test we are facing.

This one thing we can count on for sure:  we are going to be tested.  This is a huge part of life as it is on planet earth.  But the Lord Jesus will give us the grace to endure the tests, if--and this is a big if--if we keep on placing our confidence in Him and His Spirit and in His Word and not in our strength or ability.  May we not be like the children of Israel who failed miserably in doing this (1 Corinthians 10:1ff.).  And may we be alert to the deceptive thinking that we can face whatever tests may come in our own strength (10:12).

Grace Needed to be Courageous

by Eldon DeBoer

God calls us to be courageous as we engage ourselves in spiritual warfare. And there is a battle raging for the hearts and souls of everyone around us. And, apart from God providing the grace to win these spiritual battles, we won't win as we should. We won't have the courage to keep on fighting for His honor and glory.

The movie “Courageous” has had a powerful impact on my soul. It presents a tremendous challenge—especially to husbands and fathers. In my humble opinion, everybody ought to see it. Take the time and “just do it”! But it might be too much for some men to take. Especially if they are not willing to take up the challenge to courageously look to the Lord to become the husbands and fathers that God calls them to become.

Dads, there is only one perfect father, the heavenly Father. But He calls us to be like Him (Matthew 5:48). While He certainly knows we cannot be perfectly like Him all the time, He still calls us to be like Him, just the same. And apart from His grace we cannot do this. Apart from His grace we cannot keep on growing in becoming more like Him.

If there is anything that I would have added to the “Courageous” movie, it's the desperate need we have for God's grace to live out the truth. The group of men in the movie—who are all cops by the way—make a solemn resolution to God and before their families to be and become the men God has called them to be. Their vow included this: "I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.'" --Joshua 24:15

The need we all have for God's grace to live out the truth should to be emphasized as it is in the New Testament Scriptures. For apart from a grace emphasis the strong tendency is to attempt to apply the truth in our own strength. Apart from God's grace we will fail. We will fail to live out the truth to the glory of Christ. For apart from Him we can do nothing that has eternal value before God (John 15:5).

When I was still in my teens (I think I was about 15 or 16) my mother shared with me that when she got pregnant with me she was not happy about it. She had four children already and she thought she was a failure as a mom. She certainly did not want a fifth child. But my mom had a tender heart toward the Lord. And she cried out to Him for help. The Lord gave Mom this verse:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9; NASB)

There is a basic truth presented in this verse that each and every one of us need to keep in mind in our quest to heed the command to “be courageous.” The Lord our God is with us! If you have believed in Jesus, He is with you and He will give you His grace that you so desperately need to be strong and courageous. The Lord gave my mom the grace she needed for my benefit and for the benefit of my older brothers and sisters as well. I am so thankful that my parents loved the Lord and wanted what was best for me. And you can count on the Lord to give you the grace you need for the benefit of those you love. You can count on Him for His grace in the spiritual battle for the application of truth in your home and community.

We are all at different stages of growth in our relationship with God. For my children's sake I wish I knew back when they were younger what I know now so that I would have had more insight to apply the truth more meaningfully for their benefit. I was not the father I wish I would have been for their sake. I'm still growing. I'm still growing in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior and, therefore, I was not what I am now (duh?). But by God's grace I can keep on advancing and keep on becoming the man God calls me to be for the sake of my wife and children. And for the sake of those close to me whose lives the Lord gives me the privilege to touch.

“We were made to be courageous!” (check out the Casting Crowns video). May we keep on encouraging each other to keep on looking to the Lord Jesus for His grace to be courageous in the application of truth for His glory and honor.

I appreciate very much your comments and questions (edeboer.gmm@gmail.com).