Title The Podium and the Providence of God
Contents
There are times of trial for people. Are there times of suffering for Christians too? Of course there is. But it's different. The Bible says that even Christians have tribulation. But rejoice even in tribulation. Why? Because tribulation has its benefits. The tribulation suffered by the saints is meaningful. The great men of the faith also went through a process of refinement through suffering.
1. Abraham
2. Jacob
Jacob's refinement appears as the process of a new transformation of man with a sinful nature. He did everything he could to achieve his ends. He was a typical career-oriented person. So what's the payoff? The road to hardship has become an open life. He is also deceived by his uncle. Even his sons are deceived. He is having a difficult time as he confessed to himself. God heals this Jacob. He changes Jacob, who is cunning and skilled in magic, into a person who, through the process of refinement, throws away his sins and trusts only in God. On his way home from his uncle Laban's house with his family and possessions, he receives a message that his older brother Esau is coming to him with 400 men. Jacob, who was still worried, was very afraid and frustrated (Genesis 32:7). Now, without God's help, my entire family was in danger of being annihilated under my brother's sword. So, at the river Jabbok, they hold the angel and beg. There is no way unless God solves it. The trials of crisis became an opportunity to depend on God.
3. Joseph
They are sold to Egypt by their brothers. But he faithfully served God. However, he is falsely framed and sentenced to prison. It wasn't a month or two. He spends years in prison. Where can you find such a shame? But there was a purpose. God sent Joseph ahead of him (Psalm 105:17-19). And trained him. Joseph received training for the providence and purpose of God. This is to save the whole family from the famine in the future. It was to save thousands of people from famine. Refinement is in God's deep will and providence.
Remember Abraham, a man of faith who was obedient even though we did not know when we were going through the trials of tribulation. Remember Jacob, whose character was changed and he turned to God. I hope you will be victorious by remembering Joseph who was unfair but fulfilled his mission.