HE Makes The Difference

January 24

Life is fraught with trials. Oh, that is not to say there are not the wonderful experiences to be enjoyed as we traverse the path that unfolds before us through Time as we journey to Eternity. Rather, it is to acknowledge the truth of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:45, “He makes the rain to fall on the just and on the unjust; He makes the sun to shine on the just and on the unjust.”

If a good man’s way were bathed in blessings; if he had no challenges to overcome, no one would serve God and walk in righteousness because they love Him. They would do so because good things were bestowed upon them. Jesus does not want believers to follow Him merely for “…the loaves and fishes…” He wants them to follow because they know WHO HE IS! John 6:26.

But the Word does offer much encouragement to those who are enduring trial. Further, if the Word of God is “hidden in the heart” (Psalm 119:11), when the challenges of life assail, the man of God will have a well of strength from which to draw the living water of life that is the Truth of God, which is Christ. When He has been received as Savior and has been permitted to make His abode within the heart, that heart becomes a wellspring of assurance in the dry seasons of life.

As we are told in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” As the old hymn says, “…It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem quite small when we see Christ.” No season of testing is pleasant. No persecution is awaited with eager anticipation, but if/ when trials come, we have the assurance that HE makes the difference for good as we go through them.