Between A Rock and A Hard Place. Part [18] 07/14/2024 (Morning thought)

1st Peter 4: 12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.

There are times when workers may be tempted by their employers, to violate the sacred hours of the Sabbath, and in some cases, where the employee might say a firm no, one’s job might end up on the chopping block. In such cases, God might deliver, as He often does, but, just in case persons get stuck between a rock and a hard place, know for certain that faith must be tested for tensile strength, before it can survive the rigors of the last days.

Therefore, the Christian must be prepared to suffer loss, if God sees fit, and faith will guide us to trust in His providences, as being the best and the only way forward. Trusting in God should never be viewed as one option amongst many. Instead, it should be the one and only way out. Our faith in God will have to be unswerving, and this can only occur when there is a deep and abiding relationship with Him.

In harmony with this fact, we will end our discourse with a passage of Scripture that encourages one and all to trust implicitly in God, even as the Bible might not paint a rose picture, or a preferred outcome in all instances.

1st Peter 4:14 If you be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory, and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part, he is glorified. 16 Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

Between A Rock and A Hard Place. Part [17] 07/14/2024 (Evening thought)

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

It is that form of faith that when tried, begins with things we must never ever do, even under the most trying and difficult circumstances. In other words, the offer of economic privileges in exchange for beast worship must begin and end with a firm, non-negotiable no. And like Jesus, we must not almost bow, but should be resolute and unflinching in refusing all incentives to buy or sell under the beast’s system. This will not only call for faith in God, it will also call for practice, because trusting totally in God without reservation does not come overnight, like those packages from Amazon.

[The Great Controversy pp 621] The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon his people, and his ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God's love for his children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity.

But it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace fire; their earthliness must be consumed that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected. The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger,—a faith that will not faint, though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.

Genesis 32:25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!