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Testing Our Mettle, November 7
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to
try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that,
when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with
exceeding joy.
1 Peter 4:12, 13
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The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his
hosts are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens will
overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs.
The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of
temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction,
but because this process is essential to their final victory.
By God’s mighty cleaver of truth we have been taken from the quarry
of the world and brought into the workshop of the Lord to be prepared
for a place in His temple. In this work the hammer and chisel must act
their part, and then comes the polishing. Rebel not under this process of
grace. You may be a rough stone, on which much work must be done
before you are prepared for the place God designs you to fill. You need
not be surprised if with the hammer and the chisel of trial God cuts away
your defects of character. He alone can accomplish this work. And be
assured that He will not strike one useless blow.
God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to
purify and cleanse them.... This bitter cup can be sweetened by patience,
endurance, and prayer, and ... it will have its designed effect upon
the hearts of those who thus receive it, and God will be honored and
glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian and to be owned and
approved of God.
His grace is sufficient for all our trials; and although they are greater
than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we can overcome every
temptation and through His grace come off victorious. We must have
on the whole armor of God and be ready at any moment for a conflict
with the powers of darkness.
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