My Crucibles

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. —1 Corinthians 10:13, KJV

All of us experience crucibles in our lives, both big and small. They often come when we least expect them. I recently experienced several crucibles, one after another. They brought me so much stress and affected my health.

My husband and I have no children of our own, but God placed love and a burden on my heart to take care of our family members in the Philippines.

My brother had five children but no permanent work. After he passed away, I needed to take over his responsibilities, especially the financial ones.

We sent the children to a Christian school to finish their college education. On another island we took care of the education of my sister’s four children.

We have used almost all our savings; however, our enemy, Satan, knows exactly what to do to harm God’s children. He is using my nephews and nieces to deeply wound my heart. Almost the whole family has become involved. I have been living in Germany for more than thirty years and have helped to provide for my family from the start. Since Satan started to use my family to discourage me, I realize, in part, what Jesus went through in order to give His love to us. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and gave them hope and happiness, often without receiving any thanks. Later those same mouths who sang “Hallelujah to the King!” and shouted praises to His name cried “Crucify Him!” Roman soldiers slapped His face, put thorns on His head, and made Him carry the heavy cross. When the soldiers poked a spear in His side, no one stepped forward to help Him. Sinless and innocent, Jesus died for you and for me.

He endured the crucible from which He chose not to escape. Oh, praise the Lord—He overcame the world. He is our example and strength.

Through Him, we can give thanks for whatever crucible comes our way. When we do so, we share a little bit in the suffering of Jesus, knowing that we can overcome in His strength. We need to fix our eyes on Him and stay connected to Him every day, for we shall see Him soon. No matter what crucible you are experiencing, hold on to your faith, dear sisters, until Jesus comes.

Loida Gulaja Lehmann