Walking through a Severe Trial

In Acts chapter 15 Paul is travelling around preaching and encouraging churches in various regions. He tries to enter Bythnia but verse 7 says 'The Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.' That night Paul had a vision of a man from Macadonia begging for Paul to come help them. Paul immediately obeys concluding that God had called them to preach the gospel to the people of Macedonia.

A few things happened as a result of his obedience. When looking for a place of prayer he came across a group of women. As Paul began sharing the gospel with them the Lord opened a woman named Lydia's heart to the message. Not only did she become a believer, but her entire family was baptized!

Another thing happened. He was led, by the Spirit of Jesus I might remind you, into a severe trial. Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl that was making a lot of money for her owners. When they brought Paul and Silas before the magistrates, they ordered them to be stripped and beaten. They were SEVERELY flogged and thrown into prison. The jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. In the middle of the night Paul and Silas began praying and singing hymns to God...and the other prisoners were listening to them. Oh how I love this! Suddenly there was a violent earthquake and at once all the prisoners' doors flew open and their chains came loose. When the jailer woke up and discovered this he asked what he must do to be saved. He took them to his family's house. His entire family was baptized. The jailer was filled with joy because he and his entire family had come to believe in God. It is implied that all of the prisoners became believers also.

The next day the magistrates ordered for Paul and Silas to be released.

Reading this made me reflect on my own life. I began thinking of severe trials that I was led into by 'the Spirit of Jesus' and what affect they had on my life and the lives of others.

For several years I have desired to have many children. A few years ago I had my third miscarriage. Although I barely escaped death, I was left unable to conceive another baby. I remember waking up after surgery and feeling a deep sadness, but an even deeper peace. I did not know why God had allowed this to happen, but I knew He had. I did not understand why I still had a strong desire to have many children, but I knew God had placed it there. Over the next few days I was emotionally distraught. Even though I felt sad I began praising Him for who He was, for all He had done in my life, and even praising Him for allowing me to walk through the trial with Him. He gave me the grace to know He was sovereign and trustworthy no matter what my circumstances were. I knew that He was all I needed, He was more than enough. In praising Him I found strength to surrender my own plans.

Now here I am several years later. He has given me more children over the last few years than I could have possibly given birth to in that time. He has given me a sweet teenage god daughter who lives with us. He connected our family with hers, making us one family in Christ. He took me to Sierra Leone, Africa and gave me many children who do not have moms. He has grafted them into our family despite the distance and time in between us. He has given me another teenage god daughter through a bible study I lead and allowed me to partner with her parents to love her. He has enlarged my heart to expand beyond what I knew was possible. In giving up my natural ability to have children, He has supernaturally exceeded my expectations and fulfilled my desires in the most wonderful way. He has shown me that nothing is impossible with Him.

He led me through a sever trial. But in the process He produced in me things that could be accomplished no other way. He used my trial to open my heart to His plans and desires which brought blessing not only to me but to others. I will walk through any trial He leads me to, because I know that He is trustworthy and His ways are perfect.

This year was my best mother's day. I got flowers and a card from Wendy, a card and gift from Wendy's mom, cards and gifts from the sons I gave birth to, a phone conversation with one of my African sons, a card and gift from Hope, a card from Hope's parents, roses and $100 to give to any need I want from my husband (that man knows me too well).

He is more than enough. He has exceeded my expectations. He can lead me through any trial He sees fit. I trust Him. He is all I need.