Unfailing Trust
A friend recently sent me this quote:
"When James (1:2-4) tells us to "count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds," he is not telling us we need to be happy about it. He is telling us to trust in the end result. He is telling us that beneath the sorrow or the suffering or the pain is always a Hand that is working in us to make us more and more into the people He desires us to be. This joy holds an unfailing trust in His unfailing love; trust that regardless of the situation or the circumstances, He is always up to something good." from Journey to the Cross by Jim Branch.
When I read this, so many memories came rushing back to me. I thought of all the times when Floyd was in the hospital and how I told the Lord that I knew He would use the situation for good - that He was working in our lives to help us grow more like Him.
I thought of all the times in the last 10+ years of cancer treatment when I spoke out my trust to the Lord.....asking Him to use it for good in my life.
Even now in recent trials, I've spoken out my trust in the Lord - asking Him to draw me closer to Him and use the trials for good. Through the years in all these things, God has given me grace to "count it all joy" and to trust in the end result. No, I'm not happy about all the things that have happened, but I have been able to find His "joy" in the midst of them. Only God can help us do that.
I've seen some "good" things that He's brought through these trials, but I know God is doing so much more than I could ask or think. Only eternity will reveal all of God's plans. I know it's so important for me to keep the perspective of His unfailing love in working for good in our lives when I face each new trial. Trusting God is vital!
"Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6
"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys His servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God." Isaiah 50:10
"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.' " Psalm 91:1,2
The Word is full of verses that assure us God is with us in our trials....and is at work in them! When we struggle, we can share our heart with Him - being honest of how hard it is. Things may not make sense to us, but we can be assured God understands. We live by faith, not by sight - and the only way to make it through is to hold firmly to His loving hand.
When we face trials, it doesn't mean we're out of God's will. We live in a fallen world, and will face difficulties. But God will never leave us or forsake us. He is so faithful! I can testify to His goodness.
About the Author: Sally McClung is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team and is co-founder of All Nations. Her husband, Floyd McClung, was a world-renown missions leader. Floyd went to be with Jesus in 2021. He is the author of 16 books, including the best-selling books, “The Father Heart of God” and “Living on the Devil’s Doorstep.”
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