In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

  - 1 Peter 1.6-8a

Wonderful compassion of the Creator! He permits us to be in need, that He may show His mercy by giving to the needy. He permits us to be tempted, that by aiding us in our temptations He may turn the hearts of His servants more fully to Himself. He permits His followers to be cruelly tortured that they may delight more fully in restored health.

  - Jonas, Life of St. Columban, Irish, 7th century[1]

These are trying times. The economy has lost its way, and many are suffering as a result. The moral climate continues its deliberate tailspin into absolute relativism. Atheists and other opponents of the Gospel are more vocal and visible than ever.

And it’s the beginning of flu season.

Sooner or later some trial or test is going to show up at your door, and this will give you a glorious opportunity to see how faith really works, and to show your faith working to the people around you. Because the way we handle our various trials and temptations speaks volumes about the reality and vibrancy of our trust in Jesus.

Growing through trials – rather than being buried or sidetracked by them – requires that we engage certain disciplines with more focus and determination than normally. When trials come, whatever the form, the first line of defense must be thanksgiving (Phil. 4.6, 7).

We don’t necessarily give thanks for the trial but in it, and that’s an important distinction.

By giving thanks in all things we acknowledge that, in spite of what we are facing, God is still sovereign, still remembering His covenant with us, still doing all things well, and still working all things together for our good.

No, we can’t see into the workings of that, but that’s not the point. Job couldn’t see it either, and wanting to get the point of his trial was almost his undoing. Rediscovering the sovereign God in the midst of his trial was Job’s strength, hope, and peace.

God knows what He’s doing when tests and trials engulf us. The important thing for us is to acknowledge that, which we do by giving thanks. Then, when we’ve sincerely thanked Him, we’ll be able to rejoice in the face of our trials (Jms. 1.2), a joy that anticipates whatever good thing God plans to show us about Himself, do within us, or accomplish through us as a result of this trial.

This is how Jesus was able to endure the cross and despise the shame for our redemption, and it’s how we’re meant to grow through trials as well (Heb. 12.1, 2).

So the more we give thanksgiving at all times, and for all things, the better prepared we will be to offer thanks and praise to God, and thereby to know the peace that passes understanding when we find ourselves in the midst of serious trials (1 Thess. 5.18).

No one ever found peace in the midst of trials by grumbling, whining, complaining, or looking for someone to blame. Peace comes by resting in the sovereign goodness of God, and the key into that resting place is thanksgiving.

And when, in the midst of trials, we respond with patience and thanks, the hope that fills our souls will show through in our faces and demeanor, and shed a little spiritual light on the people around us.

Are you ready for whatever test may come your way today? Get your thanksgiving muscles in shape, friends, and exercise them day by day. The peace that accompanies your obedience will glorify God in a multitude of ways.

Psalm 103.1-6, 10-14, 21, 22 (Old 100^th: “All Creatures that on Earth Do Dwell”)
O my soul, bless the Lord’s great Name! His many benefits proclaim:
He pardons sins and heals disease, and from the pit grants us release.

With mercy rich and steadfast love He satisfies us from above,
Revives our youth, works righteousness, and justice serves for the oppressed.

Our sins He from us casts away; He shows compassion every day.
He knows our frame, that we are dust, so on His goodness let us trust.

All you who serve Him, bless the Lord, all you who heed His righteous Word!
Let all throughout the cosmos whole unite to praise Him with my soul!

The End in the Middle
In case you missed it, today begins our chapter by chapter study of the book of Revelation in The Scriptorium. Now you can learn the end of the story right here in the middle of it, and discover that we’re already living the end in power and glory!

But you don’t have to go to the website and The Scriptorium column to get the study; we’ll send it to you every morning, first thing. You just need to go to the website and update your subscriptions.

Each day’s study will provide you with plenty to reflect on and opportunities to discover new paths in your walk with and work for the Lord. The daily studies from each week are bound together with questions for reflection or discussion and available free of charge, simply by clicking here. These are ideal for personal or group study, and include psalms for praying to help you prepare for the trials and other opportunities that will step into your time each day (Eph. 5.15-17).

We’re happy to provide these and many other resources, and if you find you’re benefiting from them, we pray the Lord will prompt you to share with us financially. It’s easy to give to The Fellowship of Ailbe, and all gifts are, of course, tax-deductible. You can click here to donate online through credit card or PayPal, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Blessings.

T. M. Moore, Principal
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