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 - 1 October 2015

Hallmarks Of Blessedness

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God. " The 8 beatitudes that Jesus mentioned on the sermon on the Mount represent the hallmark of a blessed child of God. They described someone who is called, loved and blessed by God. The Word of God gives us great comfort, at the same time, He also challenges us to examine our faith. Today, are we still poor in spirit? Have we started to feel strong in our human abilities and rely on them more than seeking God and needing God? Today, whatever season we're in, do we receive with meekness the implanted Word that can save our soul or are we selective in hearing the Word, only taking those Word that are aligned with our impulses? Are we always drawing near to God, or are we always putting God on the waiting list and not wanting to look to Him first when we're put into fire of tests? Are we mourning and thus become contrite in Spirit and cry to God, or are we overwhelmed by accusations and thus hide away from His calling and love today?

Related Topics: Knowing Jesus, Personal Issues, Sufferings | 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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