God's Providence in Trials

Trials are going to come.  We can surely speak of the difficulties we face at the workplace, home, or even in our own hearts.  At times it seems that once we get through one difficulty another is waiting in the shadows to unexpectedly pounce upon us.  No one on this earth would say that they have never had one trial or another in their lifetime.  Trials are inevitable.  They will always come.

There is no one in the Bible, other than perhaps Job or Christ, who had more difficulties, pain, and trials in life than the Apostle Paul.  This week we will read in Acts 27 Paul’s very adventurous (and I use that term loosely) trip to Rome.  He is a faithful follower of Christ and it seems that no matter where he turns there is always another trial awaiting him.  This time it is a shipwreck.  Paul could very easily become frustrated with the path on which the Lord has taken him since his conversion on the road to Damascus.  But his response to this trial is a teachable moment for us all.

If we were in his place, how would we respond?  What can Paul’s response teach us about our own faith through trials?  James, the brother of Jesus, says in James 1:2-3, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”  What does it even mean to count it joy?  What does it take for us to lean upon our faith in times of trouble?  And is God still present with us in the midst of trials?  Where does He come in this story?

May God use our time together this week to teach us about trials and our response to those trials.  May we be prayerfully prepared for His Word to guide, teach, and direct us this week.

Almost Persuaded?

Theologian Derek W.H. Thomas tells a story of Hugh Latimer (1487-1555), bishop of Worcester in England.  Latimer once preached a sermon before King Henry VIII.  The king was not pleased with Latimer’s sermon and demanded that he preach again the next Sunday in order to issue an apology for offending the king.  Below is a section of Latimer’s “apology” he gave the following Sunday.  The wording has been changed from Old English to a more modern translation for clarity.

“Hugh Latimer, do you know before whom you are this day to speak?  To the high and mighty monarch, the king’s most excellent majesty, who can take away your life, if you offend him.  Therefore, take care that you speak not a word that may displease.  But then consider well, Hugh, do you not know from where you come – upon Whose message you are sent?  Even by the great and mighty God, Who is all-present and Who beholds all your ways and Who is able to cast your soul into hell!  Therefore, take care that you deliver your message faithfully.”

“Latimer then preached the same sermon he had preached the preceding Sunday – and with considerably more energy” (Thomas).  Years later he was burned at the stake by the daughter of Henry VIII, Queen Mary, for his stance on the truth of the gospel message.

In Acts 25 and 26, Paul finds himself again giving his defense before someone in power.  This time it is King Agrippa and his wife who have come to hear the words of Paul.  Paul stands firm in speaking the truth of the gospel message and boldly calls Agrippa out to believe.  Do Paul’s words stir Agrippa to faith in Christ?

As disciples of Christ, do we have the same boldness as Paul or Hugh Latimer?  Are we willing to speak the truth of the gospel message and God’s work in our life no matter the consequences?  This sinful world and the dark forces of the enemy are constantly on guard to attempt to diminish the work and glory of God in His people, the church.  It is in moments such as Hugh Latimer found himself that the church rises up.  Not on their own strength, but on the strength of the One who is their Father.

May we this week be prayerfully prepared to hear the Word of God and welcome the Spirit to change our hearts to become more like His.