An elderly woman fell and broke her leg while attending a summer Bible conference. She said to
the pastor who visited her, “I know the Lord led me to the conference. But I don’t see why this
had to happen! And I don’t see any good coming from it.” Wisely, the pastor replied, “Romans
8:28 doesn’t say that we see all things working together for good. It says that we know it.”
We must live by faith, not by sight. Faith means surrendering all to God and obeying His Word
in spite of circumstances and consequences. Love and faith go together, when you love someone,
you trust that person. Faith and love together help to strengthen hope; for where you find faith
and love, you will find confidence for the future.
How can we grow in faith during times of testing and suffering? The same way we grow in faith
when things seem to be going well: by feeding on the Word of God. Our fellowship with Christ
through His Word not only strengthens our faith, but also deepens our love.
It is a basic principle of Christian living that we spend much time in the Word when God is
testing us and Satan is tempting us.
Today’s verse: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans
10:17).
Also read: Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Peter 1:6; 4-12; 5:8-9.
Action assignment: Thank God for His written Word. Ask Him to give you a greater hunger to
read and study the Scriptures and to apply them to your life in the year ahead.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in