Chronicles

Test

Do you ever feel like you are being pushed to the limit? Maybe that
your prayers are going unanswered or that you think no one is
listening? That things are happening and you don't know why? Well,
maybe your faith is being tested. I know, for a fact, that I have been
tested many times. A lot of times I fail, but try and learn from my
failures. Other times I pass a particular test and God lets me know
it. Sometimes, during my quiet times, I am inclined to look in the
back of my Bible and look in the section called 52 Great Bible
Stories. Well, scanning through them, 2 stories caught my attention.
In the Book of Daniel, there are some folks who get put to the
ultimate test. Daniel 3:1-30 is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego. Talk about a test. Worship my godly idol or die?! How would
you have answered? We all know the outcome. They wouldn't bow down and
were thrown into the fire. And a fourth "...heavenly body..." was in
the fiery furnace with them and not one of them was touched by the
flames, nor did they smell of smoke. Who do you suppose that was?
Daniel 6:1-28 is story of Daniel in the lion's den. Do not pray to God
for 30 days, or be cast in the lion's den? What would you have done?
We know the outcome of that story, as well. David prayed and worshiped
and he was cast into the den of lions. Then, God sent angels to shut
the lion's mouths. Only the all powerful God of all Gods could have
delivered these people, and many others, out the grips of pain and
death. One last story. Could any of us have done what God commanded
and tested Abraham to do? Sacrifice his only son. God did and the
world was given hope.

When things look dark and terrible and that there may not be any hope,
look to Jesus and he will deliver you out of even the darkest of
places. You will then pass the test and He will open His arms and wrap
His love around you and tell you "Well done."


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JR