From the March 7 entry in Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman:
“There is no way to learn of faith except through trials. They are God’s school of faith, and it is much better for us to learn to trust Him than to live a life of enjoyment. And once the lesson of faith has been learned, it is an everlasting possession and an eternal fortune gained. Yet without trust in God, even great riches will leave us in poverty.”
amen.
This is so true!!!
Thank you for sharing that with us today…I just wrote a post that shares a glimpse of my journey in God’s schoolroom.
I thought I had trusted Him before…huh!
Love it! One of my favorite devotion books! Read it this am and underlined just what you posted! HE knew I needed to hear it again!
Thank you..truer words were never spoken.
You spoke directly to me – thanks, I needed the reminder. The post I read just before this was a friend’s pregnancy announcement. Turning from a feeling of “low” to of “peace” in Him. Thanks.
Thank you Amanda for the timely words. I needed to hear this today.I remember listening to a message Beth had done on Life Today. She said, “The very area where you are most tempted to distrust God is the very place He has most chosen to trust you.” I think about those words so often…so true.I guess that’s where God’s school of faith continues to educate us. “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, have never abandoned anyone who searches for you.” Ps. 9:10
Anne
Amanda, my bible study group just did week 8 of LBY. (Which I must say was fun seeing you in the small group toward of the end of the taping.)
All that to say, your mom discusses “THROUGH FAITH” in that lesson. A faith that goes THROUGH trial and comes out to the promise.
The same faith that seems to be discussed in that passage from Streams in the Desert.
Thanks for the reminder. I love serving Jesus with you!!!
Oh that is a great encouragement!!!
Amanda – and I want to be in the “Honors and Advanced Placement” school of faith – not remedial…having to repeat and repeat and repeat.
Help me learn quickly Lord and remember that “without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please You.”
What a blessing you are young woman!
Georgia Jan
Thanks, Amanda.
Amanda, thank you for such an entry as I know you must be so busy and blessed with your new little Annabeth. Yes, I’m 45 and have had many trials the first half of my life. From an unhappy childhood to the mean taunting of family sibling as I pulled away from that dysfunction, trials have brought me ever so close to the feet of Jesus. He is my all! What was seemingly a void and empty pit, He has made into a cup overflowing with His presence and into a generation (my husband and children) of loving family members who love Jesus. I was broken but not forsaken, ever! Boy, can God ever use our brokenness if we will just let Him. Trusting Him with all my heart, soul and mind.
Oh, amen and AMEN!
AMEN Amanda, just what i needed to hear today going through tough timesmy self we have an awsome god
who is in ontrol.
I don’t what prompted you to post this, but it is so timely for me even to the point that I am going to say that it is God’s gift to me at this moment in my life.
My youngest daughter is a nursing student, only 6 weeks away from graduation. Today, during her clinical while giving a patient an injection, she was stuck by the needle. This patient is a known IV drug user and thought to be HIV and Hep C positive.
Rapid tests performed showed that both the patient and my daughter are HIV negative, but there is still concern because the patient has been receiving blood transfusions and the blood she is receiving could be causing false negatives. The Hep C results won’t be known until next week.
I am having to physically tell myself that God knows exactly what is happening and that I must TRUST Him. The One who loves my sweet baby girl more than me. Faith by trials. Not pleasant. Not enjoyable; but brings to us eternal rewards.
Please pray for my daughter that God will protect her and that her faith and mine will be made stronger through this trial.
Thank you for the reminder. I’m going through a really tough time right now, but I’ve never been closer to my Lord. HE IS FAITHFUL!!
What a smack in the face for me as I have not been handling the overwhelming trials in my life well the last few days. It’s not easy; but instead of being angry and disappointed, I need to be thanking God that He loves me too much to spoil me – because a spoiled brat is what I was quickly becoming (if not already there)!
Thank you Amanda and thank you Lord! I guess this may sound strange but sometimes it is exciting to be in the midst of a trial just anticipating what He is going to do. My Deliverer is coming!
Much love!
This morning while I was out running, I got to a point in my run where I wanted to quit. The scripture came to my mind, “Fear not, for I am with you”, Isaiah 41:10. We all have our uphill battles and uphill runs that cause us to want to quit, but thank God that he is stronger than we are and can carry us up the mountain that seems so significant. Along the way, we learn that he is in control, not ourselves.
Thanks Amanda for sharing.
Thank you Amanda. I really needed that reminder. I have a copy of Streams by my bedside and haven`t picked it up in a long time. This timely reminder will cause me to read it nightly.
Thank you for your obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit to post this blog. God bless you, young lady.
Love Diane in Canada
Amen, What encouraging words!
Thank you for this post. The last 2 1/2 years have been faith-stretching for my husband and me. Early on, God impressed on me to trust Him, for He is faithful. When I am upset, distressed, worried, or whatever, He continues to speak these words to my heart. The devotional also has significance to me because I am a public school teacher. The phrases “school of faith,” “learn of faith,” and “lesson of faith” are so very applicable! Thanks for sharing with us.
humbling.
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:12-17 (NKJV)
This is for Kim Noel: I, too, lived with daily migraines for approximately 8 months. I went to bed with them and I woke up with them. The pain varied and some days were much worse than others. I know the pain you are in. They are much better now but during that time,I, too, learned to rely on Jesus to get through each day and found him to sufficient. Just wanted to say from a fellow sufferer that I will be praying for you. My verse I clung too at that time was Ps 27:13-14.
I so love this quote, and have found it so true in my own life. After Hurricane Katrina, when we lost our beautiful home and all my husband and I, and our 3 children had – when I couldn’t see the road ahead, or how we would make it through, God strengthened my faith in ways He never could otherwise. Whenever doubts and fears arise, I remember how He led me and cared for me, even through such pain and confusion. He saw to my every need.
Amazing! I just read this very thing today. Streams in the Desert has been such a blessing to my devotional time with Jesus. And isn’t it awesome and such a good reminder that the trials we go through grow us so much that they lead to eternal and everlasting treasure! Thank you for sharing this! What a blessing to hear it twice in one day. I can just hear what Beth says about repetition – God is definitely trying to drive this one home! Thank you Jesus 🙂
It never fails to speak to me everyday, I love Streams in the Desert and I share a copy every chance I get too ! What a depth of help that comes from those writings….and all I hear lately is trials and storms coming in people’s lives that I love and I just go back to the “Fear lesson” in Esther IF _____Then GOD ! I think Esther is the finest piece of bible study that has ever came from your mom’s ministry, God is blessing all over it, May God return the blessings as many fold as HE chooses to the Moore’s, Jones, and Fitzpatricks !
Love ya girlfriends in Jesus!
Lisa
NC
Hi there,
I understand that going through trials are God’s schooling to help strengthen our faith in Him, etc.
And, yet, I have felt like Paul in 2nd Corinthians 1:8-9 a great deal over these past few days in particular; but the major trials began about 5 months after my own sweet salvation in Christ Jesus, in April 2003…
But, I have been “sticking to my Lord Jesus like Super-Glue[â„¢-note trademark]” during all of this time, too, so maybe that is just where He wants me to be, hey?
I have been trying really hard to practice my Scripture Memory Team verses, but memorizing things is not an easy thing for me to do… But, it has been helping bring me some comfort from the Lord.
But, I could use some prayers from my fellow Siesta Sisters, if you do not mind, please…
———————————
And, I am not saying that everything in my life has been awful, tough, or sad, though, as some things have been “really great”. And, being near my family has been a wonderful thing for me, too.
Hmm, maybe 4 specific things, as well as my prayers to God for others for the same, may be a reason why Satan has been “on the attack” in my life ??? You see, these “really great things” have been times where the Holy Spirit has helped me to guide/lead 2 dear children, and 2 special adult friends of mine to accepting Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior since April 2004 [using His Most Holy Word, of course]. And, I rejoiced with each one of these dear people, but gave all the glory to our God Most High, as I know that He was the One who did these works “through me”. And, I am extremely grateful and humbled for His allowing me to take even a small part in these “good works”, but I also know that the individuals must have been prepared to accept Christ through His Holy Spirit before I entered the ‘picture’.
———————————
Hanging onto Jesus, His Word, and His promises …
———————————
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
———————————
P.s.
Many people in the city where I live have lost their jobs due to the General Motors Plant permanently closing here in December 2008; including many people who work in companies who made parts for these vehicles; and they could use your prayers, as well, please …
I just want to add a little encouragement, along with the GREAT encouragement that we have just been given by Amanda.
Like many of you, we have been going through a super trial. I often quote aloud Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse is so comforting to me, and helps me to be the godly woman God wants me to be.
Well, yesterday when we were getting out of the car, my four year old was saying out loud, although to himself, “Courageous. Strong and courageous!” He was picking up on God’s call for us from my “talking to myself!”
Just a good reminder that our children are always watching us, and also what an influence, positive or negative, we have on all those we come in contact with. I know this is way to long, but I don’t know how to shorten it!
I praise God that in our trials His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that the Lord our God is WITH US wherever we go! Praise Jesus!
I am praying for all of you who are being refined by fire right now. Remember, the waves will not overcome you, and you will go through the fire and not be burned!
My parents-in-law gave my husband & I "Streams in the Desert" for Christmas this year! How neat to re-read the wonderful words of encouragment here!
Great message.
Someone told me, “There is no testimony without a test.”
Praise God for being with us through EVERY test!
“The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalms 27:1
Amanda, that is GOOD to read even on March the 8th. Thank you. Getting ready for Sunday School and Worship Celebration and it is 8:50 not 7:50. Right? ABBA’s Sweet Blessings to you today. Kathie
Amanda, how did you know exactly what I needed to hear??? hahhahaha God even sent me back to it a second time this a.m. I was never one to think of quitting school so why start now! 🙂 Love you friend!
Kelly Bullock
Clarksville, TN
My trust in the Lord has been greatly tested this week. And I have to be honest and say that there have been a few days that I have competely failed!! And I am so sorry Lord!! My husband and I moved to Katy 7 months ago with our 3 teenagers (17,15&12). He led us to a wonderful church home and things for the most part have been blissful. Kids are adjusting well to school and are slowly getting adjusted to the new youth group. We have found a home to purchase (we are currently in a leased house) and we are supposed to close next Friday. We couldn't be happier right now. And then Tuesday my husband was laid off from his job along with 100 other people. Oh, Lord what are you trying to teach us. What direction are you leading? I am so confused, Lord!!
Our church had a Women's conference scheduled at the Omni hotel and our theme for the retreat was "Tis so sweet to Trust in Jesus". "Trust" keeps coming up before me everytime I turn around. Lord, I am trying so hard to trust. But as a women, a mom,and the wife of a planing engineer, it is my personality to plan. You see I am obessive about having the details worked out. I would not say it's controlling just I like to have some sort of idea or thought plan to follow.
So all that to say. Thank you for the post. Thank you for another glimpse of the blessings of trusting the Lord. And thank you for your prayers. This blog has been such a blessing to me and I pray abundant blessing on LPM and it's staff.
I really needed this! I have been going through so many trials…..thank you for posting this.
Carrie @ Hidden Creek
The Journey Continues ~
AMEN!!!
Trials begin at childbirth~
and will follow us all the days of our life!
TRUTH = LET GO AND LET GOD!
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
just AMEN!!!!
One of my daily reads, along with Chambers, Spurgeon, and Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling.” Funny how they all seem to weave together most days.
peace~elaine
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the wonderful and meaningful quote. I will put it in my journal. I have to say I have copied many of the siesta’s quotes too along the way.
Dr. Young just started a series on suffering today from the book of Job. He has been talking about this for a long time; he wrote the material 8 months ago. As he said today, it is God’s timing, not his.
I would say to anyone to get on second.org, go to “worship services” or something like that. Click “watch online” and then on the 11:00 service at the West Campus. It will probably be posted in a few days, but it was awesome today. I’ve been waiting on this series and I was like “Yes!” Through these tough times and in all times, I need to keep things in perspective.
Thanks again. I think this goes right along with your quote.
Barbara S. Katy, TX
Amen! That is good!
What an incredible piece of truth there. Timely in my life today..
Blessings,
stephanie
What an encouragement to read everyone’s posts. It is such a blessing to see how God has worked (and is working) in others’ lives. I had such a protected, healthy, fun childhood and teen years that coming face to face with the world and all that’s in it has been difficult. I married someone who hasn’t had the same experience growing up and it has been a real challenge to adjust to how it has effected him. I haven’t been so patient and understanding at times, but I’ve humbly learned that the difficult people that caused a lot of his misery are no different than I. God has led me to the conclusion that given any set of circumstances I can be just like the person I came to despise. I’ve recently read where brokenness and surrender are the paths to healing and restoration.I pray that I never bypass the steps of brokenness so that God can restore me to love when by myself I’m unable to love. So by faith I continue to trust Him through the trials. I believe more today than I did yesterday!!!
AMEN! I never thought of it as an eternal fortune. Sure is nice to know all is not for nothing and our lesson’s go with us!
Thanks Amanda. How true. Income cut 30% (auto related), future doesn’t look good for industry, husband could be laid off anytime,
401k tanked, little to no savings, 88 year old mom lives alone, grandson to love, picked up more part-time work to help pay the bills. I have to say thank you Lord, we’re leanin’ on you real hard and you’re holdin’ us up. thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this Amanda! Thursday was week 8 in our Esther study. I wish it did not have to end! I say this after ever one, but I *really* mean it this time — it has been my favorite! Learning to trust God in the tough times! This devotional goes right in line with Mama Beth’s messages! I’m passing it on to all my gals right now!
PS – Tell your mom, this Thursday we are ending our Esther study with our own Purim festival. Purim is actually tomorrow for Jews throughout the world! How cool is that timing?!? I’ll email LPM pictures! Love you ALL!!!
Thank you Amanda for this message. Blessings!
Beth – I was just sitting at the dinner table with my 2 year old nephew and I was talking about you to my mom. In a little while my sweet nephew shouted out, “I wuv Beth Moore!” It was so cute! 🙂
Heh! What timing the Lord has…even in devotionals written long ago. We are going on our 4th month of no income, and I’m still trusting Him, but it sure is hard. Yet, it is such a good reminder of God’s “everlasting possession and eternal fortune” that he bestows upon his children. Thanks, Amanda, for writing that. I needed to hear it again!
Ahhhh the Sovereignty of God…this is complicated but so good, so here goes….
While talking with my daughter about transfering her FROM her “life of enjoyment” at her favorite college…we needed to look up something on the internet. I opened my computer to the LPM blog…my homepage…and this entry pops up…which encouraqed me in my tough decision because I felt it was a little love note from God….
Then today I’m doing my “Esther” homework and the question is, “Describe a moment when you knew God stratigically timed something you read or heard.” (p. 134). Ahhhhh, are you kidding? I love it.
Just want to say, “I love you Lord…and I love you Moore family…thanks for your faithfulness!”