When God Removes the Hedge...

I'm finding that the attempt to balance all that's going on in my life at this time, and still have time to blog my thoughts on my daily devotions may be wishful thinking.  So I will blog my thoughts, if time permits, though I will continue in my daily reading at whatever place I last ended... meaning that I may not be commenting on the things I read within the past day, but perhaps within the last week or so. 

Also, once the freeze cycle comes upon us in Eastern Kansas, I may not be able to blog for a few weeks, as last year's freeze cycle caused me to work three consecutive 84+ hour weeks, which left precious little time for much more than the bare necessities of family and work.

I've already read both 1 & 2 Peter, and will comment thereon shortly, but wanted to comment on one of the themes of both James and Peter, and that theme is the one of trials.  1 Peter 1:6-7, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." (Emphasis - mine.)

I strongly believe that there comes a day in the life of some of God's elect, when God temporarily takes away His hedge of protection and allows the forces of darkness, Satan, et al, to have their way with the believer, within the bounds of God's pre-arranged limitations.  The book of Job shows the behind-the-scenes dialogue between God and Lucifer regarding this event, which I think can also be called, The Trial of Faith, where God allows the faith of the believer to be tested; how would you stand such a test?

I've thought extensively along these lines, and have also written some about the same.  I wrote a poem called, When God Removes the Hedge, to express a view of Job's ordeal:  http://www.timothysharp.net/When_God_Removes_The_Hedge.doc

As in previous poems, I don't think myself a good poet, but it was so therapeudic for me to exercise my mind, soul and heart in the writing of these lines, when I was experiencing my own Trial of Faith, that perhaps it could be helpful to someone else too - I sincerely hope so.

Blessings,
Tim