Msg #2324 Refining Trials

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

“And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman … fell sick; and … there was no breath left in him”( 1Kings.17:17). Much is recorded about trials in life, nothing will help so much as the Bible. This woman knew trials, she had buried her husband, now her only son was dead. She was dead-center in the perfect will of God, harboring a fugitive, Elijah. Daily she witnessed a miracle of God to “give us this day our daily bread.” Now it came to pass after these things … trial. Your age, young or old; you're standing in life, rich or poor; your spiritual maturity, great or small; none of these will exempt you from trials. Trials may be consequences for life, chastisements in life, or … just God doing some refining. God never wastes an obscure detail, Zarephath was named after the refinery that was in town. The widow woman first lashed out at Elijah (vr.18). Elijah took the child to his room and privately lashed out at God (vr.20). Be sensitive to your conduct when a great fiery trial lands in your life. We can get better or we can, all too quickly, get bitter. The Bible is written so you'll know better than getting bitter. In this great trial Elijah prayed privately, sincerely, boldly, and specifically, and God answered. These busiest servants of God came through the refining trial and it produced life more abundant; it produced joy unspeakable and full of glory; it produced faith; it produced proof of a prophet's credentials; and it produced proof of the Word of God. Refining trials are precious and produce spiritual maturity in the spiritually mature. “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Ps.119:71).

An Essay for week #24 - Jun 11, 2023

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs230611.mp3

A Journaled Israel Tour www.GSBaptistChurch.com/israel22 /israel23

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A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
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