“The problems we face in this life are not circumstantial or random.”

A thought by Chris Hodge from his book, The Daniel Dilemma: How to Stand Firm and Love Well in a Culture of Compromise (Kindle Locations 1063). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Here is another important thought that we can come to grip with here in the beginning of 2018.

Chris says, “You see, the problems we face in this life are not circumstantial or random—they are opportunities to grow stronger in our faith. God allows these tests to prove our mettle and mature us for future purposes. Understanding the nature of these tests (whether they last only a few weeks or an entire lifetime) and how to respond to them can make all the difference in the world.”

He goes on, “Determining our core convictions is essential to a strong, stand-up faith. But convictions alone won’t insulate us from the trials that put them to the test. If a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, then the strength of our faith relies on the stability of what we believe when under attack. It requires courage to look the Enemy in the eye and stand our ground, so we need to know with confidence what our faith is built on. Convictions are all about the choices we make before we’re challenged. Faith is our ability to act on our convictions when tested.”

Later he says, “When culture shifts, our faith will always be tested. The Enemy uses tests to wear us down in his attempt to derail our faith. He wants to place obstacles in our way and challenge our convictions. Paul encountered this and wrote, ‘For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way’ (1 Thess. 2:18). The Greek word used here for blocked literally means ‘cut a ditch’ or ‘made a detour.’ When we’re walking in the purposes God has for us, we go directly against the will and the plans of the Enemy. So, naturally, the Enemy wants to block our paths and convince us to give up, to take a permanent detour. Ultimately, he wants us to serve him. Whenever our faith is tested, we must choose whom we will serve.”

Chris says, “We will be tempted to give up. To take the easy way out. To run away from the trouble. But those tests become stepping-stones to growing stronger and stronger, to becoming all that God wants us to be.”

Isaiah 30:19-21, says, “How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Will you this year let the “bread of adversity and the water of affliction” that the Lord gives you be your teacher?  Will you?