Manifesting the Glory of the Teacher (Part 1 of 2) | 02.09.12

During times of great difficulty, it's important to understand that it's our faith that's being tried.  Don't take it personal... because it's only a test.  We often forget that before every promotion there MUST be a test.  Furthermore, scripture (James 1:3) teaches us that the testing of our faith produces cheerful endurance (or patience).  We're to let patience thoroughly transform our mindsets that--as we are transformed--we may be whole, lacking or wanting nothing once the process is complete (James 1:4).

One of the most common observations made while enduring a faith trial is that it seems like GOD could not be heard.  We're quick to associate tests and trials with GOD trying to teach us something, but we fail to realize that it's during the test that the teacher is silent.  If the lesson was indeed learned, then the teacher should not have to say a thing.  However, just because the teacher is silent, it doesn't mean that the teacher is not present.

We may be going through right now, but we're not going through alone.  GOD is present right where we are, but He wants to be more than just present.  It's GOD's desire to visit us and manifest Himself in the fire.  There are times when people are present unbeknownst to us and there are times when we know for a fact that we have been visited.  In GOD's presence there is fullness of joy.  If going through a trial and there's no joy, then the manifested presence of GOD is not there.  Since the joy of the LORD is our strength, then any weakness we're experiencing amidst our trials is a direct indication that we're devoid of joy and consequently not experiencing the manifested presence of GOD.

TO BE CONTINUED... Read Part 2