Nephew Robbie undergoing cancer treatment
There was an older lady I knew from our church we attended who was a tower of faith. If her faith was an oak tree, she was 250 feet tall and in the prime of life. I was like young sampling. How did she become such an amazing Christian woman? Was there a special formula? When she was in her mid 50’s her husband suddenly died of heart problems. In the midst of that, there was Jesus and God’s word for strength and encouragement. Not long after that her son was on his way to college and was killed in an auto accident. In the midst of this tragedy there was the Lord who lifted her up and sustained her. In addition, there were the body of believers who comforted her as they had when her husband died. Then her other son became a soldier involved in the conflict in South East Asia. He eventually returned. In a short period of time her world was turned upside down, but each time Jesus was able to balance the ship of life.
Through all of these trials Lord refined her faith, brought transformation and changed her into a tower of faith. She was a believer who weathered many storms with the Lord at her side. She was never bitter, but a person who continually looked to the Lord for his strength and goodness. Her faith through the years was a great witness and comfort to others going through their own difficulties.
Jeremiah the prophet underwent many trials during his life. Through these trials the Lord transformed Jeremiah from a sampling in the faith to a mighty oak tree. Trials of life is what made Jeremiah the prophet he became. Jeremiah was one of the greatest prophets that ever walked the face of the earth, but his steps were filled with trials.
What trials have you been through in life? How did that change you? Maybe you are in a great trial right now. Maybe it is a health issue or a relationship difficulty. Whatever it is the Lord is just a prayer away. One thing the Lord has taught me is to share my struggle with friends so they can pray for me. The hardest part is admitting you need prayer. May the Lord give you strength to confide in others to help you along your spiritual journey.
Jesus was our model of someone going through trials. I can’t imagine the pain He suffered on the cross as our sins were poured out upon Him. I love these verses from Hebrews because it tells us the Lord knows what it is like to suffer. 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. [1] Hebrews 4:14-16
Take strength from the Lord and let Him take you hand and life you up in the midst of your trials.
To hear more of Jeremiah’s story listen here:
To hear more teaching on this story, listen here:
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Heb 4:14–16). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.