If you were to turn on the news right now there would be dozens of stories. You might hear headlines about fraud, wars, politics, the stock market, climate change, political correctness, etc. But how should we as children of God respond to these pressing issues? Do we fear? Should we tremble at the thought of the unknown?
Scripture clearly shows us that we don’t need to fear. Many trials have come in the history of the Church, including the flood, the captivity of Judah, different governments and groups struggling for power, and so much more. 365 times the Bible admonishes us to not be afraid. Nevertheless, the Church continues to this day. While it still faces challenges and opposition, it keeps pressing on. And as the members of the Church, we continue to press on through the sadness and the despair of this life.
Yet all is not lost, in Earth or Heaven, we have a shining light to guide our path. Just like Israel being led by a pillar of fire, we have that same pillar of fire leading us onward through everything. The loss of a loved one. Hardships at school or work. Persecution or discrimination.
All of these things do not beat us, but we are guided through them. When we look back on our lives, we can confess with the psalmist and the Church of all ages that “affliction has been for my profit that I to thy statutes might hold!”
These trials serve as a refining fire that purges away everything that is not God and His holiness. They burn away pride and self-confidence. It destroys and consumes any love for idols we keep nestled in our hearts. While this will hurt temporarily, it serves as a hand tool of the Almighty God to form, sanctify us, and make us His own. What a comfort this is! Even the trials and sorrow we see in our present lives are not out of control; they’re controlled by Jehovah. This same God is who sent His only Son to die for us and who sends His holy spirit to lead us in this life. What a blessing we have to be led by this unwavering God! “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name, on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand!”
Sam Baker
Young Calvinists 