The Word of the Lord Tries Us

How many of us are waiting on the Lord to bring a word of prophecy to pass? If the length of the wait were to determine the validity of the word, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph would have all given up believing in God’s words. But they didn’t give up. There is something that happens in the waiting. In fact, waiting actually qualifies us for the benefits God has in store for us.

Of Joseph it is written, “He (God) sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant: whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: until the time that His word came: the word of the Lord tried him.” (Ps 105:17-19). The word “tried” comes from the root word which means to try metal, as by fire. How does the word of the Lord try us?

When we are children we do not think about things being denied to us, or held back for another time. If our mother bakes cookies and we should walk into the kitchen, we would probably take one, and that would be that. However, perhaps a little later in our life, our mother may say “You cannot have a cookie until after dinner.” She gave us a “word” which will try us when we walk into the kitchen. If she had not spoken the word, there would be no trial. However, obedience to the word teaches patience and temperance, good judgment, and many other things.

In the same way a word of prophecy tries us. By our very nature, we do not like to wait. There may be many reasons why we think the word of the Lord should come to pass right away. In fact, waiting does not always build trust in God and His word; it can erode them. If we stay in our carnal nature, we will not perceive that the Lord is up to something more encompassing than bringing His word to pass; He is building His nature in us.

When we are in the dark about something, such as when and how a prophecy is to come to pass, there is great temptation to interpret it according to our own understanding. Isaiah prophesied concerning this temptation; “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” (Is 50:10-11).

What Isaiah prophesied is that it is better to have no light of understanding and rely on the Lord than to walk according to our own understanding and end up in sorrow. Those that hold God in reverence and respect Him (the fear of the Lord) will not tamper with His prophecy, but will patiently wait for Him to bring it to pass. They will let His word “try” them, and will come out like strong metal. When it is time for the Lord to bring His word to pass, they will be ready. Amen.