“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ…”

The Word of the Lord

We are tested through fire to make us stronger. But while we are weak, we are close to God, in the midst of our sins, we rely on Him to have mercy on us. Because in the end, by ourselves we are nothing; less than the dust of the earth, possessing no life in us. The lies pass through our heads and, instead of meditating and worshipping God, do the opposite and follow the adversaries and worship the idols, letting the unholy thoughts take control of us. We betray God over and over again, we are dirty, and we scream, “unclean, unclean!”. Yet His breath fills us, yet He chooses to continue loving us despite our unstable minds and lustful flesh. Yet God died for us, which covers all sins, yet He never gave up on us. Who are we, O God, or what are we to do without You? But though right now we may be grieved and ashamed, God, we pray with sincere love You rescue us! We need You O Lord, and we pray You give us a mindset of repentance, and the will to serve You, committing to You fully with every opportunity, rather than serving ourselves. For You, O Lord, are the only One worthy to be worshipped! You, our God, is the One to thank and be glad in! That though what You had done makes no sense, dying so that we may live, we thank You for Your mercy, because without it, there is no hope. 

Thus, with our backs pushed up against the wall, somehow, You made an escape. With snares and pitfalls and the invisible battle grasping for our souls, You shielded us. Your Word became our sword, and when the war felt it had overtaken our very faith, You reached out with Your right Hand, guiding us to not be overcome with evil. For You, nothing is impossible, and You made a way for the hopeless, and a path for the desperate, and in a pit we dug as our grave, You extended Your right hand into that very grave. We see Your Grace. That if we are willing, may grab unto, knowing that with You, we are not afraid, but we are safe. In Your arms You hold us, in the presence of Your peace. We are Loved, and we are finally home, knowing there is nothing that can go against this house of God, or the will of God, but through this battle, we are all the more ready to do the good will of the Lord. Praise be to God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ; Who is the salvation of our souls. Amen!