Of what value is faith that has not been tested?
It is not always possible to see the light at the end of the tunnel when the darkness of your troubles overwhelms you. How quickly your dreams and hopes can slip away when an impossible situation sends a crushing blow. Will you ever recover? Tough times bring forth tested faith. It is easier to see God in the brightness of day than it is to trust him in the darkness of night.
You are not going to understand why God allows storms and heartache in your life but that should not make you doubt his love. During those times when you are stopped by the furnace of affliction, the sea of trouble and the mountain of despair, remember that it is not a holding place but a resting place. God is keeping you near to his heart and revealing more of himself to you. Only there can you understand that at the end of your weakness is his limitless strength.
In Scripture, we read about the life and struggles of David. Although he was anointed by God to be King, David first had to fight against those who were trying to kill him. For years he was forced to wander throughout the desert and seek shelter in caves. That time of struggle brought David to the understanding that his future was ordained by God and no one could stop him from accomplishing what he started. David wrote in Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.” In the midst of David’s troubles was a faithful God providing all that he needed for victory. The same is true for us today.
God’s plans sometimes work in mysterious ways. A friend and I went to visit a death row inmate this past week whose execution date is set for next month. He told us that he had become a believer shortly after he got to prison. He then explained to us through tears that on the day that the judge imposed a death sentence for his conviction, someone had given him a package. When he opened it he found an engraved bible along with a letter from the mother and sister of a man he had killed.
The writer explained to this inmate that although his actions had taken away her only brother and the only son of her mother, they both had forgiven him. Even while their hearts were still crushed with unbearable pain of loss, they had enough love of Christ within them to not only forgive him but to pray for him to come to the knowledge of salvation! They implored him to seek Christ and receive the gift of eternal life that could never be taken from him.
Imagine the power of that forgiveness! Because of their faith, this family was able to surrender up to God any bitterness toward this man and instead share the hope of Christ with him. It was that amazing love that brought this inmate to his knees, broken and submitted to Christ. For him, he had received a gift of mercy he did not deserve. Such depth of forgiveness can only come through Christ. I cannot remember a more powerful testimony!
When I read the letter that these women had written, it was clear that this all surpassing power was from God working through them. It was faith tested to the limit and yet shining through like light from heaven. That day a new life began in the heart of that inmate all because two believers decided to let the will of God guide them to bring unconditional love to a man who was condemned to death.
There is nothing that God cannot do in your life if you are willing to submit to his will. All the pain and struggles you face are simply the elements God uses to mold you into greatness. He has not forgotten you. Your trial is set for a time and soon your tears will turn to joy. There are no losers in the body of Christ. We are all on a path designed by him long before we were born. He has the plan and it cannot fail. Are you ready to give up your control to get God’s divine blessings? Don’t worry over your circumstance for the outcome has been decided in advance. For believers, the war is won and we are the victors. The devil himself knows that. You now need to know that too.
Dear Lord, I am praying for all who are going through a fiery trial and who may be filled with pain and uncertainty as to whether you will be there for them. I pray that you will draw them near to you and bring them your peace. Please help them to know that their grief is before you and you are working it all out despite the fact that it seems like it will never end. Comfort them, dear Jesus. Show your love to them in a very real way. Give them hope that can only come from you. Amen.
May God’s wisdom and peace be with Israel and her leaders.
41 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 10, 2013 at 10:32 am
Winifred Fletcher
Dear writer thank you for such words of wisdom I’m going through rough seas at the moment will pray for the American hostage poor man regards Wyn Fletcher
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August 10, 2013 at 11:44 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Wyn, thank you for visiting and commenting. I especially thank you for your prayers for our brother in Christ, Saeed Abedini. God bless you, sister.
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August 10, 2013 at 10:14 pm
brandeeva
Another one, right on time for me. God bless you!
Sent from my iPad
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August 10, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, Brandeeva. I appreciate your stopping by.
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August 11, 2013 at 11:59 pm
Maggie Payet
Thank you Marianne, that was beautiful to read. how are you and how have you been, its been ages since ive spoken to you. I have been through so much it would be impossible to write it all down, but I am doing well. God has been working in my life and He is Awesome. Tell me what have you been up too? I noticed your name is different, I checked to see if it was the same person, any reason?
maggie Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2013 03:02:14 +0000 To: heavensfull@hotmail.com
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August 12, 2013 at 3:56 am
Jane Peter
I have been So blessed and encouraged with your words. Keep up the good work and God bless. I pray God will continue to use you to reach out to people through this medium and replenish his anointing upon your life.
I do look forward to reading your blog every month.
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August 12, 2013 at 1:43 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Jane, I really appreciate your kind words today. You have blessed me more than you know. I am so glad you like the message. Sometimes God sends people like you to give me a message also! God bless you!
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August 12, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Maggie,
I hope you stay well. I am so glad that God is doing good things through your life. He is faithful, Maggie, and he has the plan for your life no matter what happens.
My name is changed because I went through a painful divorce. It is not something I wanted but I could do nothing to stop. I am still trusting that God is with me and will take me through this pain.
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August 12, 2013 at 7:36 pm
Erica
At this very moment my heart has been filled and touched by God’s grace. For I know he has not forgotten me. And this reassurance has given me the strength to press forward.
God bless you all!
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August 12, 2013 at 8:16 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Erica, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you understand that God has indeed not forgotten you. My friend, I know how hard it seems sometimes when things are going wrong and you wonder if God really cares. I have been there myself. I pray that you will know how high and wide and deep is the love that God has for you. May you know that he sees where you are and he knows your pain. He will not leave you. He has the authority to cause all things in your life to be used for your good. We can’t see it now but just hold on and watch. God bless you, Erica.
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August 12, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Carol Ann Hoel
Blessings to you, Marianne. Did you get married? I see you have changed your name. Congrats if you did. I got married last month. I am so grateful to our faithful Savior and Lord, Jesus! He heard my prayers and gave me a wonderful husband.
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August 12, 2013 at 10:24 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Carol, I went through a painful divorce recently and that is why my name is changed. There was nothing I could do to make my husband love me or want to stay. It was a sad time
I am, however, very happy to hear of your recent marriage. God is faithful to provide a future for us. That is good news! May you and your husband be blessed and may Christ be at the center of your marriage always!
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August 13, 2013 at 9:31 pm
riddelicious
I happened to just see this now, but I needed this Now.
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August 13, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Marianne Bernard
riddelicious, I am glad that God brought you here. May he bring you peace as he takes you through your struggles. I am praying for you, my friend.
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August 16, 2013 at 5:42 pm
gogogirl
I needed this I am burdened by my elders and I’m in my mid twenties yet to start my own life due to doing for others I’m physically n mentally exhausted …… with a 2year old. When will I get to live. I feel weak n like giving up. Please pray for me
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August 18, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Marianne Bernard
gogogirl, I am praying for you, my friend. God has the plans for your life and they are good. I know you are weary but hold on and stay in the word of God. Let his promises give you strength while you wait on God. He is going to help you. I will keep your in prayer and please feel free to email me when you need to talk. Don’t give up, dear sister. You are not alone.
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August 20, 2013 at 5:57 am
Bola
Thank you, you always touch my heart through those word am so bless and encourage.
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August 20, 2013 at 5:58 am
Bola
Thank you, you always touch my heart through those word am so bless and encourage. God bless you richly.
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August 20, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Pastor Ted Davis
Oh thank you precious Marianne for delivering this message of healing and hope to my weary soul. You will never know how timely this word has been today to a weary old preacher. May our Savior bless your ministry abundantly. In Christ’s great love, Pastor Ted Davis
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August 20, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Pastor Ted, Thank you for stopping leaving your comment. I can only imagine how weary you are from all the evil that is growing rampant in this word while you bring the word of Christ to the lost. I pray for God to bless you and may he shine his light through you to complete the work he has begun in you. I will pray for you, Pastor! God bless you.
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August 22, 2013 at 4:37 pm
RJ Dawson
Thank you for a great article, Marianne.
Is there any greater proof of God’s presence and great love than what those two ladies wrote down and delivered to the man who shattered their lives? How great is the love of God that the Lord’s people can continue living and breathing and ministering though sometimes beset with unrelenting pain on all sides. Paul often mentioned this and our great Lord demonstrated it best. How broken and shattered His heart was yet He continued on, tapped into a strength that knew no bounds, and a well that would never run dry.
Be blessed. Press on. The Lord is most obviously with you.
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August 22, 2013 at 6:52 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, RJ. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. God is showing himself through those who belong to him. We must be ready to shine the light of truth during these dark times no matter how difficult or what the cost. To sacrifice self is the beginning of your new life. There is no higher place to be than at the feet of Christ and totally surrendered to his will. These two women truly exemplified that truth.
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August 22, 2013 at 7:24 pm
missionaryman
Well, as I said, I was going to check and see if I commented. I didn’t, so here goes. I was so happy to see this article, and found it very refreshing. Just keep writing girl, and pray that God will bless you in that. I know what you experienced is painful, but God is faithful, and He will use it for His glory. I guess the most outstanding thing you said in this article is “There is nothing that God cannot do in your life if you are willing to submit to his will. All the pain and struggles you face are simply the elements God uses to mold you into greatness.” Amen! May God continue to use you! Pray for me!
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August 22, 2013 at 7:34 pm
Marianne Bernard
missionaryman, you are always in my prayers. I know you are going through some struggles but we both know that God is faithful and that he will see you through them. As bad as your pain gets, God’s mercy is still greater still. Thanks for stopping my friend.
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October 5, 2013 at 7:11 am
Maggie
I know, you told me. I so sorry for your pain, but God will heal you. Just keep praying and trusting in Him. I was going through my own heartbreak but I believe that God used it to bring me closer to Him, and it did work. Never give up Marianne. God is there. Its a hard walk but we will get to the finished line soon.
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October 5, 2013 at 11:57 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Maggie, our trials are always difficult but they serve a diving, eternal purpose and they are working out something so far greater than what we can imagine. Keep your eyes on Christ, Maggie, and stay in his word. He will never fail you.
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October 7, 2013 at 5:01 am
Anonymous
Yes, trials are always difficult, I seem to be going in and out of them a lot lately, some are small and some are just so painful, but I keep trusting in God. And that is what keeps me going, knowing God is there and that satan wants me to fall makes me more determined to keep on. I wish you the best Marianne, just keep going, and know God will never leave you or forsake you. God bless x
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December 7, 2013 at 10:47 am
rascus48
Really another inspiring testimony, forgiveness is one of the hardest to go thru for some reason…though I do know and have learned the more we are able to forgive that the more of Gods blessings are we able to receive. Also Sister Just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you as I can’t begin to know all you have gone thru ….but know that it wasn’t easy…and I also know where your focus remains…on the Lord Jesus….
Much love and Blessings sister
Frank
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December 7, 2013 at 11:59 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Frank, thank you for stopping and taking the time to encourage me. You are a great friend and I truly thank God for you. I hope all is well with you. I know you have had your share of troubles, also. I appreciate your prayers for me. I had a rough time but God is seeing me through it all. God bless you, dear friend.
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January 19, 2014 at 2:01 am
Kobogin
Hi, Marrianne Thank you very much for those words of encouragement may the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
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January 20, 2014 at 11:48 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Kobogin,
Thank you for your kind words as it was an encouragement to me also! Keep the truth in your heart and don’t let the darkness of the times make you think that you are alone to fight your battles. Be strong, dear friend, and stand in your faith.
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January 24, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Harriett dean black
To- my personal savior please draw your children with u . They really need your help.
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January 25, 2014 at 12:35 am
Marianne Bernard
Hi Harriet, I know you need prayer, dear friend, and I will be lifting you up and praying that God will meet you where you are and help you in your need.
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January 25, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Greatlyblessed,highlyfavoured and deeply love
Im a 17 year old believer in Jesus Christ our Lord and Mighty Saviour and this is the word of my testimony which i speak in Jesus’ name and by the blood of the Lamb (Rev 12:11) last year i sat for my igcse o level exams cambridge i wrote mathematics,physical science,biology,history,geography,accounts,computer studies(ict) ,english langauge ,english literature….By the grace of God i passed all 9 with A stars!!praise be to the Almighty,Most -High,Merciful and Graceful God…ladies and gentlemen to be honest it wasnt by my might nor by my power but by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts!!!!!!!!! In 2013 i became a monster..full of anger and bitterness at everything and evryone including the Mighty God himself…this anger led me to become rebellious against all authority and even against my own body which is Gods temple ..the Holy Spirit in me was suppressed ,i stopped praying or doing anything productive,even stopped studying…my mind was oppressed with thoughts of defeat and failure that i became depressed,would spent my time at home sleeping in depression…i would disrespect my mother and hated my father and blamed God for that…i had no affection for my sister…the only thing i cared about was how to be like Celebrities ,only cared about physical appearance ,,swag,friends and going out…my dressing changed and would find myself wearing short things , tights thus rebelling against my body(him who defiles the temple of the Lord ,God will destroy,which temple ye are 1corinthian 3 vs 17)my teachers warned ne about my sudden change but i ddnt listen..i hated them more for that because they became tough on me which led me to feel discriminated ,my parents then had a huge violent fight which made my mom to leave our homestead ,this is when i stopped to care entirely about my family and focused on my social life…exams came but i started panicking just two weeks before exams..but never really read effectively in my own strength and each time i stepped out of the exam room i felt numb thinking about all the mistakes i had made etc…you would think that i changed at this time but no ,as soon as exams were over i was already making plans on how i will see my friends etc..but it took one night for God to win me over,the night when i found out that my 3 best friens that i cared a lot about had hurt me and it was the talk of the school,good thing is that we were no longer going to school and i stayed at home crushed and even more depressed,By Gods mighty power my mom had come back home and was working things out with my dad…i remember one night the Holy Spirit spoke and because i wasnt too busy on watsapp or calling anyone,i finally listened…he said ‘ my child i love you and god created the world,sent his son to die all for you and yet you care not about him,you care not about Jesus and how he suffered for you,how he was bruised like it says in isaiah 53 ,and the things you care about are vanity,see how your friends dissapointed you,i reunited your parents for you but you dont even appreciate it,you are not grateful for anything i have given you ,your car,your room,your parents,your teachers,the comfortable envirnment you have for studying using the net,you father who protects you from so much (my father is very protective which used to annoy me)he protects you because he goes out evryday ibto the world and sees sharks and wolves that devour others children in broad daylight and because of his love for you that i placed in his heart he wants to do all he can to protect you from that,your mother: she is a prayer warrior who never gives up on you ,and the more she prays the more you disobey and disrespect,dont you think its time i answered her prayers,you know you are the centre of her world…and your lovely younger sister needs your guidance and you need to lead in holiness and righteousness….’ He the filled me and i became broken and as the scales fell from sauls eyes it happened to me and i could see my mistakes and i came back to the Lord…i was always worried since i had already written but ladies and gentlemen the God we serve is the God who stopped time for Joshua,made the sun go backwards for Hezekiah,he has control over time…Malachi 3 vs 6 : for I AM the Lord,i change not!…tt means wat he did for them he can do for you ,and i am a living testimony to that…with God all things are possible for with him there is nothing as being too late or too messed up or too deep into sin…when sin abounds,Gods grace abounds even more and it is him who goes before to make all the crooked places straight isaiah45 vs 2….i ddnt deserve it,neither did we deserve the cross thats why the bible says hHe treats us much better than we deserve…dont belive the devil who just wants to steal your blessing and years you should be spending with the Lord living in victory and abundance,kill your love for christ and your understanding of Gods word or destroy your future and purpose…we are all called according to Gods purpose and so everything works together for our good…jesus came so we might have life and have it more abundantly in Jesus name!
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March 7, 2014 at 5:13 pm
Viviana
Dear Marianne,
Thank you, until I can truly trust Jesus in all is happening your writings help me to keep going.
I wonder if like me, each person thinks “Oh this is writing for me, for what I’m going through!!!”
Love and God bless you and keep you safe always.
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April 25, 2014 at 11:32 pm
Nina
Sometimes I feel lost. I think that things happen to me because of my past faults. I want to please God and many times I found myself praying to Jesus for his forgiveness. I ask God over and over to give me the light to see what is the road I am suppose to take! What if I am all wrong? I want to be on the path that God wants me to be. How I can be in peace and sure that I am following God’s will?
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April 25, 2014 at 11:54 pm
Marianne Bernard
Hi Nina, I am sorry that you are struggling with your pain. My friend, if you have repented of your past sin and asked forgiveness than you have been forgiven! If you have turned from your old ways than do not cling on to the guilt of what you did in the past. The enemy will get you to believe that you are not forgiven and you must not listen to those lies. You can only have peace, Nina, when you truly surrender up to him all of your doubts and uncertainty and trust him to help you get past them. You can’t do it on your own but with Christ you can be victorious over all that seeks to bring you down. You need to trust your God, Nina. When you doubt, it only means that you are listening to the lies. If you seek Christ and his ways, he will help you.
My sister, I will be praying for you. Fear and doubt are tools of the devil. Don’t let him steal your joy and your hope. Believe on God’s word and receive the peace that Christ left for those who believe.
My email is on my blog. You can write to me if you need to talk privately. I will keep you in prayer.
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April 28, 2014 at 1:08 pm
Jonathan
This is insightful, I liked it. 2 questions though. 1. Will tears turn into joy? I’ve lost my hope even in smiling, I doubt I will be joyful soon. 2. How do you stay positive when everything is falling? I feel like I can quote and read, but deep down I know what the world looks like and the truth of how and others feel. It doesn’t work for me anymore. God is good, but that’s what makes me so dang afraid, life’s full of trials. If something’s not, it’s too good to be true isn’t it.
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April 29, 2014 at 7:14 pm
Marianne Bernard
Jonathan, you asked if our tears will ever turn into joy? The answer is that to those who get to heaven, all tears will be wiped from their face and there will be no more sorrow or sadness. We will be in the Presence of perfection in Christ. We will have greater understanding and peace like never before and it will last until eternity.
My friend, the only way to stay positive when you feel like the world is crumbling around you is to focus on Christ and have faith. If you read the word of God each morning, he will speak to your heart and you will find strength and guidance for your day. You can’t do that on your own. You need to seek what you need in God’s word. We are living in a perishing world, Jonathan. You are not going to live without trouble. Sin is in this world and the ruler of darkness is going around trying to get people like you to doubt that God is with them. Don’t give in to his lies. Believe the truth of God’s word. Understand that the enemy knows his time is short so he has stepped up his attacks like never before. When you can understand that God is allowing them so that you can experience more of him and his mercy, you can rest and not be anxious because you will know without a doubt that God is working it all out for good and not to harm you. Don’t look at your problems, look at your God for he is bigger and in complete authority over them all.
Jonathan, don’t let your faith waver in the difficult times. We are all going through tough times. Keep your eyes on Christ and trust him. Show yourself to be a true child of the Living God! He is with you right now. You may be weary from the battle but never surrender to a defeated enemy from hell. Time is short and Christ is on his way. You have to choose to believe him, my brother. I will be praying for you. I care. And if you take that first step of trust, God will take care of the rest. It is not easy but it is will worth the price.
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September 1, 2016 at 11:56 am
ratis
Thanks for the those words of encouragement and strength. It is already delivering me from what i am going through. just expect the testimony.
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September 1, 2016 at 2:05 pm
Marianne Bernard
The truth of Christ gives you the victory over all that comes against you. Stay strong as you read your bible each day. The peace of God will be with you.
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