“On My arm they will trust” (Isaiah 51:5)

In a severe trial, a saint is stripped naked, with nothing to sustain him but raw faith. The Apostle Paul, after telling the Corinthian Church he couldn’t reveal what he saw in the Third Heaven, gave them the secret to advanced spirituality.

“Lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

When a saint has nothing on Earth he can trust, he’s forced into the arms of God. Faith in God isn’t just hoping He’ll get you out of trouble. Faith in God is knowing whatever He causes or allows, it’s according to His will, so it’s more than OK. Thousands of Christians were used as entertainment in the Roman Amphitheaters. As they walked up the ramps to the arena, they sang songs of praise to God, knowing full well, within a few minutes, they’d be eaten by wild animals.

Be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Show sinners that your God is worth more than the whole world to you. Show rich men how rich you are in your poverty, and strong men how strong you are in your weakness, for God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, and the power of Christ will rest upon you.