Life’s Hardest Test and God’s Provision

13 Jan Life’s Hardest Test and God’s Provision

Posted at 10:08h in English Service by

Preacher Huijun - 2 July 2015

God's Greatest Gift To Mankind

A lot of people want securities in life, they hope for a smooth-sailing life thinking that it is through this that peace can be felt in their hearts. But after having all that they have ever wanted, something is still missing in them - something deeper within themselves needed to be satisfied- the soul of man. However, sin separates man from God, the creator and satisfaction of their souls. As a result, man live in the endless race of flesh-satisfying but spirit-depriving life. The distance between man and God has thus become further. Because of the presence of sin, man cannot enjoy all wisdom and blessings from God, and they have no answer to the problems that plague them. One problem leads to another, and many more. Because the wages of sin is death, and there’s no way that man can save themselves from the bondages of sin. For God so loved the world that He gave His one and Only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (Jn 3:16). For those who’re called into God’s kingdom, God has fashioned our hearts such that we can never find peace and security unless in a two-way relationship with Him today. And in this relationship, He convicts us, leads us and shape us to be more and more like Christ through life experiences. Unless we continue to see Immanuel and confirm Immanuel in all that we are doing, we will be easily deceived by the insinuations and lies from Satan, forgetting that God is still the sovereign God who’s leading us with His good, pleasing and perfect will today. Let's avoid the sin of not seeking Immanuel today, for God's help and presence is now and not later.

Related Topics: Knowing Jesus | More Messages from Preacher Huijun

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Life’s Hardest Test and God’s Provision


Sometimes life gets hard, even as we walk with the Lord. Yet, with greater tests and trials comes greater divine grace. Often, we tend to feel that God is heartless or unhelpful during our trials. However, the faithful God will provide for us, not necessarily by helping us avert the trials, but His help comes within our trials, so that we can eventually pass the test. The most blessed relationship with God is one that is built not on what God can give us or do for us, but on God Himself. To the one who trusts and obeys God, He will give grace upon grace. Yet, though human obedience is important in the walk of faith, God’s grace will always surpass human performance, our works can never outdo God’s grace.

Verses to Read: <Genesis 22:1-18>

1. God is Our Provider.

1) God tests His people <v1>.

  • But God is not unkind.
  • The greater the test, the greater the reward.

2) God provides for us during the test.

  • God’s faithfulness helped Abraham passed the test.
  • God’s provision is not in the form of averting the trial, but divine help is found within the trial, when trial is at its worst.
  • Greatest sorrow >>> greatest relief and joy*

***Ever felt the knife was already at our throats?
***No mood to complain, but only gratitude for not dying

  • Ram >>> Isaac
  • Jesus >>> Us
  • The God who was offended by our sin actually died for us!
  • The Judge died for the offender.
  • We are so sinful
  • God’s grace is so bountiful
  • If God provided the most important Substitute >>> other smaller things too <Ro 8:32>

2. Abraham’s obedience of great faith

  • Difficulty of the test >>> magnitude of Abraham’s faith and obedience
  • Abraham’s relationship with and faith in God was not based on what God could give him, but on God Himself.
  • He never felt entitled about having Isaac >>> knew the son was from God, for God.
  • Passed the test of honoring God above all else.
  • How are we handling the “Isaacs” in our lives?

3. Intricate relationship between grace and works.

  • Grace is not earned by human works.
  • Yet, clear causal association between God’s blessings and human obedience:
    • <v16-17>: “because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you…”
  • Grace does not negate works, but goes beyond works.
  • GOD’S GRACE surpasses HUMAN PERFORMANCE.

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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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