“Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him” (Ps. 105:19 NKJ).
Tried by the Word. Tested by a promise from the Lord. Joseph was eighteen years of age when the Lord gave him the promise of a miraculous ministry. Joseph waited twelve long years for the fulfillment of that promise.
The waiting period was not easy, but he had a promise to cling to. That very promise tried him as a person. The Hebrew word translated tried in this verse means “to purify and refine.” It is a term used to describe the removing of impurities from gold ore in order to produce pure metal. The Word of God refined and purified Joseph.
Many Christians are taught that God uses circumstances to purify and refine them. There is a suffering cult, which holds that human misery has redemptive value. “Suffer and win points with God,” they seem to say. Jeremiah would not agree, because he says of God: “…He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men” (Lam. 3:33 NKJ).
It was not circumstances which tested Joseph and refined him, it was the promise of God. His adverse circumstances cried out, “No way.” But the promise came back emphatically: “There shall be a performance of those things promised you by the Lord” (Luke 1:45).
When your situation contradicts the promises and assurances God has given you, you have two choices: you can confess the circumstance or confess the word of promise.
Remember: circumstances can change, but the Word of God will never change. Like Joseph, you can live to see a beautiful fulfillment of all those things promised you by the Lord (Num. 23:19).
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.