Have you noticed that the true character of a person comes out during a period of stress or trial? Many have watched the character of a professed Christian crumble under trial. We would never know what was truly in our hearts unless God allowed a trial, or test, to come upon us. In I Peter 1:7 we are told: “That 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 honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Pray that when a trial comes upon you, you will recognize that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Pray that your actions and reactions will reflect the character of our Saviour and not the character of the usurper of this world. We do not know what is in our hearts until we are tested.
Pray for that test or trial, so you may know and understand what is really in your heart. Pray for the Lord to disclose what is really in the heart. There is no way for us to know when we are under the control of the devil unless something happens that brings forth our real character. We are told:
“Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan’s power without, we must be delivered from his power within.
- The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character.
- He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier.
“Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. …” Christ’s Object Lessons, 174, 175. [Emphasis added.]
Pray moment by moment that the Lord will keep your heart no matter what kind of trial comes. “There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer.” Ibid.
Pray for a character that will draw others to the Saviour! Remember to persevere! Those trials “… are not worthy to be compared with the eternal weight of glory awaiting the overcomer. They are God’s workmen, ordained for the perfection of character. However great the deprivation and suffering of the Christian, however dark and inscrutable may seem the way of Providence, he is to rejoice in the Lord, knowing that all is working for his good.” The Review and Herald, May 6, 1902.
Father: Try me that I may see what my real self is like. Try me that I may see and repent of my shortcomings. Try me that I may come forth as gold tried in the furnace after it has done its work on my heart and removed all of the devil’s control within me. I want to be saved and not stuck with self and aligned with the devil and lose eternal life. Oh, help Lord! Amen.