Basic HTML Version
There’s a Reason, February 8
Genesis 12:9, 10
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7
.
Abraham continued to journey southward, and again his faith was tested.
The heavens withheld their rain, the brooks ceased to flow in the valleys, and
the grass withered on the plains. The flocks and herds found no pasture, and
starvation threatened the whole encampment. Did not the patriarch now question
the leadings of Providence? Did he not look back with longing to the plenty of
the Chaldean plains? All were eagerly watching to see what Abraham would
do, as trouble after trouble came upon him. So long as his confidence appeared
unshaken, they felt that there was hope....
Abraham could not explain the leadings of Providence; he had not realized
his expectations; but he held fast the promise, “I will bless thee, and make thy
name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.” With earnest prayer he considered
how to preserve the life of his people and his flocks, but he would not allow
circumstances to shake his faith in God’s word. To escape the famine he went
down into Egypt. He did not forsake Canaan, or in his extremity turn back to
the Chaldean land from which he came, where there was no scarcity of bread;
but he sought a temporary refuge as near as possible to the Land of Promise,
intending shortly to return where God had placed him.
The Lord in His providence had brought this trial upon Abraham to teach
him lessons of submission, patience, and faith....
God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience
they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a
source of strength to others. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (
Jeremiah 29:11
). The very trials
that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us,
are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and
experience the peace which He will give us in exchange
[46]
19
Ibid., 128, 129
.
45