Blessings Follow Testing:
Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him. The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. Genesis 26:12-13
We must learn from Isaac's example to be firm in our faith so that we don't doubt or waver when hardships come our way. After Isaac sinned, God lovingly forgave him and even blessed him. We learn from this that God doesn't remain angry forever. If we rely on his promises, we can remain faithful when things go wrong and say, "The Lord who asked me to believe in him will keep his promises. Meanwhile, I will cling to him and trust him." The Psalms remind us: "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). "Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).
Believers can remain confident even in the worst dangers and hardships because God has promised to take care of them: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
It's important for believers to be tested by trials. Without these tests, our faith would grow cold and weak. It could eventually disappear completely. But if we are tested with hardships, we will discover what faith is and will be strengthened in our knowledge of Christ. We will become so strong that even when we have troubles and anxieties, we can be just as happy as we are in good times. We can look at each hardship as if it were a cloud or a fog that will soon vanish.
Devotion by: Martin Luther
God bless,
Godbe4me