October 7

Morning

So Moses asked the LORD, “Why have You brought this trouble on Your servant? Why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid upon me the burden of all these people? — Num 11:11 BSB

Our heavenly Father often sends us trials to test our faith. If our faith is genuine, it will endure the test. Gilding may fear fire, but gold does not. A plastic gem may dread the touch of a diamond, but a true jewel has no fear of scrutiny.

A false faith can only trust God when all is well—when friends are loyal, health is strong, and business is thriving. But true faith clings to God when friends are gone, the body is sick, the spirit is low, and even when the light of God's countenance seems hidden. Faith that can say, even in the worst of times, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him,” is faith born of heaven.

God allows His servants to face affliction to bring glory to Himself, for He is glorified in the virtues He forms in us—virtues that are His own handiwork. As Paul says, “We rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The Lord is honored by the development of these qualities in us.

Without tension, the harp’s strings would never produce music. Without the winepress, we would never taste the juice of the grape. Without pressing and beating, the cinnamon would never release its sweet fragrance. Without consuming fire, coals would never give off warmth. The wisdom and power of the divine Craftsman are displayed through the trials that shape His vessels of mercy.

Our present afflictions also make our future joy even sweeter. Shadows must fall in a painting to highlight the brilliance of the light. Would heaven be as precious if we hadn’t tasted the bitterness of sin and sorrow on earth? Won’t peace be more welcome after the battle? Won’t rest be more satisfying after the toil? And won’t the bliss of the redeemed be enhanced by memories of past suffering?

Let us ponder these comforting thoughts throughout the day.

Evening

You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? — Isa 36:5 BSB

Reader, this is a crucial question: “On whom do you trust?” Listen to the Christian’s answer and see if it is yours.

“I trust,” says the Christian, “in the triune God. I trust the Father, knowing He chose me before the foundation of the world. I trust Him to care for me through His providence, to guide, teach, and correct me, and ultimately to bring me to His heavenly home, where there are many mansions prepared for me.

“I trust the Son. Jesus Christ, both fully God and fully man, took away all my sins through His sacrifice and clothed me with His perfect righteousness. I trust Him as my Intercessor, presenting my prayers before the Father, and as my Advocate on the day of judgment, pleading my cause and justifying me. I trust Him for who He is, for what He has done, and for all He has promised yet to do.

“I trust the Holy Spirit, who has begun the work of salvation in me, freeing me from the power of sin. I trust Him to curb my temper, subdue my will, and enlighten my understanding. I trust Him to comfort me in times of despair, to strengthen me in weakness, and to illuminate the dark places in my heart. He dwells in me as my life, reigns in me as my King, and will sanctify me completely, ultimately bringing me to dwell in glory forever.”

Oh, what a blessed trust this is! To trust in One whose power is inexhaustible, whose love never fades, whose kindness is unchanging, whose faithfulness never wavers, whose wisdom is infallible, and whose goodness is boundless!

Happy are you, reader, if this is your trust! With such trust, you will enjoy peace now and glory hereafter, for the foundation of your faith will never be shaken!