GRACE TRANSFORMS TRIALS

We...are being transformed into his likeness

with ever-increasing glory...

2 Corinthians 3.18

Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 2.12

God uses the trials of our every day life to expose our weaknesses, sins, failures, etc. etc., and transform them into strength and glory.

My grace is sufficient for you,

for My power is made perfect in weakness.

Therefore, I wil boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

so that Christ's power may rest on me...

For whe I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12. 9-10

Change takes place in the "refuge" of Psalm 2.12.

Refuge is the place where we go alone to be with God.

Refuge is where we "abide" in Christ and learn to "walk in the Spirit."

Refuge is where we are transformed and "filled with the Spirit."

Refuge is where we discover the glory of God and experience the power of the Holy Spirit changing our hearts.

Refuge is where we learn to love God and one another.

Psalm 4 shows us how a refuge with God's grace, wisdom, and power transforms us in any and every trial we face in this life.

V. 1--When trials have made us aware of our weakness, we can call to God. God will answer us.

Vv. 2-3--In a refuge with the presence of God, calling on His Name, we can resist devilish attacks and discouragements. In the refuge the Holy Spirit will strengthen our hope and faith.

V. 4-- The refuge of the Psalmist is a bedroom. Any place to get away from all distractions and be alone is the point.

A place of refuge is where God empowers us to work His promises of grace, wisdom, goodness, and power into our lives (Phil. 1.6,2.12-13; 2 Peter 1.2-11).

Our work is to allow God to "search our hearts.'' (Psalm 139.23-24; Jeremiah 17.9; Psalm 19.13-14) The goal is that we discover the source of our heart's weakness in this trial. When God has shown us our weakness, He will then minister grace, truth, wisdom and power sufficient to change our heart's motives, attitudes, and thoughts. He will go on to show us the wise, good, right things to say and do as we return to the life situation that defeated, exposed, shamed us and brought about criticism, rejection, blame, etc.

V. 5--When God has shown us the right thing to say and do, we must obey Him and trust His faithfulness to bring about some good result that will glorify His Name.

V. 6--In all this we will show others the goodness of God.

V. 7--Our hearts will be filled with joy.

V. 8--We will lie down and sleep in the peace of God.

The fruit of righteousness will be peace;

the effect of righteousness will be

quietness and confidence forever.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places...

Isaiah 32.17-18