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  CHRIST'S CARE FOR US IN OUR TRIALS
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: God cares for us in our trials and has a purpose in all
sufferings, which is to produce an unwavering faith.

Topics: "Trials", "Faith in Suffering"
Scripture References: Psalm 34:19, Psalm 66:10, 2 Timothy 4:7, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 4:12, Revelation 2:9

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that Christ cares deeply for us during our
trials, assuring us that He understands our struggles and is sympathetic
to our afflictions. He highlights that while God tests His people, these
trials serve a divine purpose, refining our faith and producing
unwavering trust in Him. The sermon encourages believers to recognize
that suffering is not without meaning, as God uses it to strengthen our
faith, much like gold is refined by fire. Wilkerson reminds us that we
can emerge victorious in our faith tests, urging us to keep our eyes on
Jesus and to rejoice in the hope that lies ahead.

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CONTENT
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God takes no delight in the testing of his children. The Bible says
Christ is sympathetic toward us in all our trials, being touched by the
feelings of our infirmities. In Revelation 2:9 he tells the church, "I
know your works, tribulation, and poverty." He is saying, in essence, "I
know what you are going through. You may not understand it, but I know
all about it."

It is essential that we comprehend this truth, because the Lord does
test and try his people. Scripture says, "For You, O God, have tested
us; You have refined us as silver is refined" (Psalm 66:10). The
Psalmist says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord
delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).

The Bible says a great deal about suffering and trials in the lives of
believers. But it is important for every Christian to know and accept
that God has a purpose in all sufferings. No test comes into our lives
without his allowing it, and one of God's purposes behind our trials is
to produce in us an unwavering faith. Peter writes, "That the
genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that
perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor,
and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7). Peter calls
these experiences "fiery trials" (see 4:12).

The good news is that we can win the faith test! Paul wrote: "I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"
(2 Timothy 4:7). Of course, Paul knew he still had much work to do, but
he was able to honestly say, "I may not have apprehended Christ as I
wanted, and I haven't been perfected. But when it comes to faith and
trusting God through every trial, I know whom I have believed."

Fix your eyes upon Jesus and praise God through every ordeal. Your heart
will be filled with gladness as you practice praising and rejoicing over
the joy that awaits us.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/christs-care-for-us-in-our-trials/
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