The Outer Limits – Deuteronomy 8:2

2 Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not.

– Deuteronomy 8:2

The Outer Limits

We'll never know the strength and endurance that we have unless we test our strength and endurance.  God knows this about each one of us and He, in His infinite wisdom, gives each of us plenty of opportunity to find out how far we can go and how much we can accomplish.  But He doesn't just do it so that we can feel good about ourselves – so that we can say, "Wow!  I am quite something aren't I?  I just faced the hardest test in my life and I made it through, and now I stand here triumphant!  I can do anything!"

No, quite the opposite actually.  It is true that God puts us through trials and tests so that we can see that through Him we can accomplish anything (if we have faith).  But the main reason (in my opinion), is to see if we will, in the midst of our deepest despair; when we think we can't go one step further, or take one more attack, still hold true to who we are in Him.  He wants to show us that despite our circumstances, He is STILL God and He is STILL Good.

Did you just lose your job?  God is still good.  Are you about to lose your home?  God is still good.  Is your marriage in trouble?  God is still good.  Did the doctor just drop a bombshell on you and your life is at risk?  God is STILL GOOD!  He is ALWAYS good and He deserves our obedience and our love and devotion – no matter what we are going through.  When we can get that; when we can go through the worst hell this world has to offer and still worship, and praise, and serve God with our whole heart . . . then we will know what we are made of.  Then we will see what strength we have – through Him – in Him – with Him.

So if you are facing something big and bad today, take heart!  Set your heels firmly in place, dig in, and brace for the attack because you WILL make at through exactly the way God means you to.  Praise Him, and worship Him, and serve Him to the very best of your ability because He hasn't forgotten about you, He's just strengthening you and pushing you straight into a greater relationship with Him.  He loves you so much and He needs you to know that – without a doubt – without fear – without any reservation or concern.

He is God!  The BIG God!  And GOD IS GOOD . . . ALL THE TIME!

Prayer

Father Thank You for pushing us and for testing us. We wouldn't know the depths of your love without being able to see You in action.  Forgive us for grumbling and complaining when we are tested.  Help us to stand strong and to still be good ambassadors for Your kingdom, no matter the trials we face.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard