The Lord has chosen to develop patience and character in our lives through trials. Endurance cannot be attained by reading a book (even this one), listening to a sermon, or even praying a prayer. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God, and obey Him. The result will be patience and character.

Knowing this, we can face trials joyfully. We know what trials will do in us and for us, and we know that the end result will bring glory to God.

This fact explains why studying the Bible helps us grow in pa¬tience. As we read about Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and even our Lord, we realize that God has a purpose in trials. God fulfills His purposes as we trust Him.

There is no substitute for an understanding mind. Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God.

Verse for today: “The trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Also read: Romans 5:3-4; 8:28; 15:4; 2 Corinthians 4:17; John 18:1-11; James 1:3-4; Revelation 14:12.

Action assignment: Faith is always tested. God tests us to bring out the best; Satan tempts us to bring out the worst. The testing of our faith proves that we are truly born again. Today think about temptations and trials.

Is the Bible your guide book? Do you understand the purposes of God? If perplexities overwhelm you, a good Bible study or correspondence course may be what you need. The Christian who knows his Bible will bring glory to God, because he knows the purposes of God, and trusts His promises, and overcomes trials to develop patience and character.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in