Faithfulness will Produce Fruitfulness

     The trials of our lives can wear us down spiritually and zap us with the energy we desire to do our best for the Lord. We wonder what God has in mind as these difficulties curtail our usefulness and effectiveness. But it is during these times that people watch our testimonies more closely. Without the trial, we could preach or teach better, parent better, witness better, and generally serve better, but our faithfulness through the difficulty speaks in ways that our best sermons cannot. God never wastes a trial, and we must be sure that we don’t either.

     Paul thought his “thorn in the flesh” was limiting his effectiveness and asked the Lord to remove it on the three occasions. But God knew that the thorn would enhance his point, as he would grant the other Grace needed. This Paul declared, “Most gladly, therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God doesn’t mind if we ask him to remove a trial, but if He doesn’t, don’t let your faithfulness stop there. Your faith through the trial will multiply rather than diminish your fruitfulness. (Revival Today)