Angels in our midst - Part 3

[George]

Last Tuesday I attended a seminar. I walked into the room and took a
seat in the front row. I did not know a single person, and almost as
soon as I sat down, a woman named Donna introduced herself and started
some small talk. She then quickly changed the subject to church and
worship. Now this was a business seminar not a ministry meeting.

Then she said the oddest thing, she said very directly to me "this is
a test of your faith, God is going to bring you through, but your
faith is being tested."

There have been so many times over the past two months when someone I
did not know said something that is oddly placed but yet completely
what I needed to hear. After she made her comment, she went on to
offer much encouragement, even sharing about how much she likes to go
to church and attend bible studies. She had an amazing peace about her
and spoke with full assurance of God's love and His sovereign hand at
work in all circumstances.

As many of you know, my family is experiencing an incredible trial. I
have been struggling to understand God's will and His purposes in the
midst of this trial. I have been very discouraged and isolated. I am
thankful for a few friends that are standing with me in prayer and
offering regular encouragement.

This time however, words came from another total stranger, that was
able to deliver a message with great insight. I have to agree, my
faith is being tested like never before. I must rely on God more than
ever, and at the same time battle my own flesh that wants a quick fix,
rather than the God ordained fix.

There are times when God may seem to be far off, like He is not
available or listening to our prayers. These times leave us with much
confusion and hurt.

In Psalm 13 verse 1 the psalmist writes "How long, O LORD? Will you
forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" The
psalmist is expressing real emotions, he feels his enemies have been
exalted over him. However, the Psalm ends "But I have trusted in your
steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing
to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm
13:5,6.

Even though the psalmist starts by feeling abandoned, yet the psalm
ends well. The psalmist trusted in the steadfast love of the Lord,
rejoicing in salvation, and remembering that God has dealt bountifully
with him.

When we don't feel God's presence, what are we to do? our feelings
will deceive us. We have to remember who God is, and what has he
already done for us. We have to reflect on His character and the fact
that His character never changes, He never changes. This is the test
of our faith. Trusting that God has a purpose for everything, and His
purposes are always holy and righteous. We know this, but why do we
panic? has God moved away? have we perhaps shifted our focus?

During these times our self doubt, our insecurities, our weak flesh
undermine what we know about God, and His faithfulness. We must have
faith regardless of what we see, or don't see. The book of Hebrews
defines faith as "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the
conviction of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

Note (assurance) and (conviction of things not seen). Faith means
trusting God when we don't see, when we cannot control the outcome,
when we are totally helpless. We are saved by faith. We have no
ability of saving ourselves yet we trust in the finished work Jesus
did on the cross.

God is so gracious to give us total strangers to provide encouragement
when we need it. Remember the scripture "Do not neglect to show
hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels
unawares." -Hebrews 13:2

I am thankful for the words Donna gave me, reminding me that God has a
purpose for every trial, and through it all our faith is tested and
then strengthened. I am also thankful for Donna.

Merry Christmas