A WEALTHY PLACE

“Thou didst cause men to ride over
our heads; We went through fire and through water;

But thou broughtest
us out into a wealthy place.”
Psalm 66:12
New American Standard Version

The Insurance Institute for Highway safety rates vehicles good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front, side crash tests and rear impacts. The first requirement for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick is to earn good ratings in all three Institute tests. Another requirement is that winning vehicles must offer electronic stability control. This requirement is based on Institute research indicating that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers. In like manner God puts us through a series of tests to prove, or try us, so that we can earn his mark of approval (Psalm 66:10-11).
Jeremiah 29:11 has become a favorite scripture for many. It is comforting to know that God has a plan for our lives to bring us to an expected end and to give us a hope and a future. It is vitally important to remember that fact when we are in the middle of crash tests! It is imperative to realize that in the midst of testing, God’s intention is not to destroy us, but to examine and scrutinize our motives and purify the intents of the heart so He can say “Well Done, thou good and faithful servant!” Just as vehicles must endure crash testing from every direction, so God causes events of life to try and prove us. We are His VEHICLES in the earth used to
advance His kingdom in this realm.
Not necessarily in this order, but God uses the frontal crash test of people to ride over our heads or to trample over us. He looks for the dents of offense and unforgiveness. He looks to see if we can handle a head on collision without any major structural damage or loss of life. Another test is the side impact crash test of fire. The fiery darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16) are permitted to test our shield of faith. God examines to see if our faith in Him will remain strong in the midst of adversity. The side impact test also determines the level of safety for passengers. If our faith does not stand the fire how can we effectively share The Faith with others? Finally, the rear impact crash test of water. The floods of life come to see ensure that our head is covered and secured with the helmet of salvation.
The IIHS uses the electronic stability control to help drivers maintain control of their vehicles. We have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to maintain control while we maneuver this life and while we are going through the tests of life. Yielding to Holy Spirit will bring us into the abundant, wealthy place of the highest award we can receive the “Crown of Life Award.” Remember, you are going THROUGH the fire and the water. On the other side is a wealthy place of abundance, refreshment, plenty and safety!