Archived Teachings (onclick)

"Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home."

The bible teaches us that we will all face tests and trials in life. When these tests come our way, we have the opportunity to either focus on the test or on the Lord our provider. I believe we should do as this verse says from the great old hymn Amazing Grace. We should look back over the toils and snares from which we have already come and begin to thank God for His grace that carried us through and that will continue to carry us on.

Have you allowed the tests and trials of life to get you down, discouraged or defeated or have you allowed God to use these things to strengthen your faith and resolve to serve the Lord? Are you praising God for His Amazing Grace or are you complaining about your toils and snares? The Apostle Paul learned from his experiences to always trust in God and the things he went through made him better and not bitter. In Philippians 4:11-13 he says, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Notice that Paul says that he had to learn to do these things through Christ. Again in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 the word says, "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Paul like many of us prayed for God to just go ahead and deliver him from his problems but God's response was one of grace and sufficiency to get him through the problem. Paul's response to God was to receive His grace and to adapt to an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. When we choose to love, serve, praise, and thank God in the midst of the test it releases the power of God to rest upon us.

Many Christians stand today at the crossroad of decision. In other words, they face decisions that will affect the course of their lives. They are at a crossroad where they must decide if they are going to consecrate themselves fully to do God's will, no matter what He asks them to do. If you find yourself in this place of decision, let me encourage you to do as Joshua did. He said, "but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Let me encourage you to stand strong in the Grace of God and continue to consecrate yourself to the will of God in your life. It may not always be easy to do the right thing but it will always bring great rewards.

"Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

Pastor Darrell Huffman