January 19

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure. — Mal 3:10 BSB

We once heard a simple old man say something unforgettable: “When God tests you, it’s a good time to test Him by putting His promises to the proof and claiming from Him as much as your trials require.”

There are two ways to handle a trial. One is to try to escape it and be grateful when it’s over. The other is to recognize the trial as an opportunity to claim a larger blessing from God than ever before. Welcome it as a chance to receive more of His grace.

In this way, even adversity becomes an ally, and the things that seem to oppose us actually advance us. This is what it means to be “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

Blessed Rose of Sharon
Breathe upon our heart,
Fill us with Thy fragrance,
Keep us as Thou art.
Then Thy life will make us
Holy and complete;
In Thy grace triumphant,
In Thy sweetness, sweet.