Lord! I’m Going Through, Again!

Trials are a part of spiritual growth!  ** think on that for three (3) seconds **

The world looks at problems as an obstruction to accomplishments, progress and happiness. The main goal is to get through the issues and solve them as quickly as possible so that one can sail smooth with life. However, the Bible brings in an entirely new look on problems of living, as well as on the most horrendous trials.

The Bible starts off with God’s flawless creation of all that exists, along with the creation of mankind in the image of God, and then here comes the problems: rebellion against God, first by Satan and his minions, followed by Adam and Eve, and then followed by their sin-infested offspring, generation after generation. Therefore, the problems of living are not separated human events of grief and trials, but they are part of the spiritual battle that we need to fight along with the power of God.

Based on God’s eternal plan and wisdom, God makes use of mankind’s trials, challenges and sufferings to reveal His glory; to show forth the nature of man, to expose sin, to draw people into a relationship with Him through the Gospel, and to bring forth spiritual growth in His children.  Several purposes in our life are fulfilled through trials that shape the “believer” and draws close to God. Trials are the period where individuals get molded, beaten, forged, chiseled and shaped in every aspect that God wants us to become fit vessels for Kingdom building. In James 1:12 God clearly says “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trials, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.” When trials come, that’s the time where you need to get much closer to God, because “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Ps 91:2

Paul knew that his calling as a Christian was to bear suffering for the sake of the Gospel. As days darken in our circumstances, we need to follow Paul’s example of knowing our calling as believers and to use all circumstances for the sake of the Gospel, the glory of God, and our own growth to maturity in Christ.

Listen to Reverend Doctor Paul’s resume:

“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.  Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.  I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.  Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”  2 Cor 11:23-28

With the right perspective on problems, instead of being bogged down and preoccupied with them, you will learn to lean on Christ, trust Him, and follow Him through each circumstance.

Discover the reason behind your troubles and temptations!

Troubles and temptations are integral part of every Christian’s life. The word of God has clearly showed us in John 15:31 that “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” So, till the end of your life, you will have problems, trials, hardships, heartaches, disappointments, and tribulations, but God never leaves you alone in the midst of them!  He helps you and gives strength to overcome the problems and evils you might be facing.

One thing you need to remember, sometimes God allows troubles to shape you more according to his expectations. Whereas on the other side there could be more chances where we our self could have been the source factor, for bringing in the troubles and temptations in our life. Therefore, it is always good to discover the reason behind your troubles and temptation.

First, Satan always looks for Godly people to fall, and if Godly people act in their own ways such as going or doing as per their will instead of God’s will,  then there could be more chances of facing troubles in our life.

In Jonah 1:3, God asked Jonah to go to Nineveh to proclaim a “Word” of repentance.   However, instead of going to Nineveh, Jonah preferred the golden sands of Tarshish instead.  As a result of this, Jonah faced a lot of problems, being enacted from God as punishment!  Always make a cross check, or a spiritual inventory of your life, with every decision you are making, as it pertains to the will and desire of God.  If it goes wrong, you could find yourself in a “crucible fix”!  

Secondly, to discover the reason behind your troubles and temptations, always check whether you are walking in God’s will, or walking in a worldly manner.

In 1 John: 2: 15 through 16, Jesus said:   “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”  So, if you love, court, and cuddle with the world, all the temptations of the world will find you! 

Thirdly, without repenting from sin and still continuing with the hidden sin, then definitely you could end up in predicaments.  Sinning can cause bad things to happen to us and if we continue in a life of habitual sin, we cannot claim that we are in a relationship with God.

Our Jesus is a loving, comforting God who helps you even when you are trapped in troubles and temptations. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” –  Isaiah 41:10. So never abandon hope, God is beside you to help you.  Trust him and obey his words. Amen!

My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood

and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest,

frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand. – “My Hope is Built” – Edward Mote

God Never Leaves You Alone During Your Trials

You might feel that you are all alone during the times of trials, but be confident that we have a great God who is greater than your problems, and He never leaves you nor forsakes you.  Everyone goes through hard times and trials; worldly people look after worldly things to get rid of the problems but we the children of Jesus, we should always have an unaffected faith that God is with us, irrespective of what trials we might go through.  As well as we have an unaffected faith, we should have an infectious faith; to bear one another’s burdens in the heat of the day!

Just to show you, from a biblical view, here’s proof that God never leaves you alone during trials and tribulations in your life!

In the bible (Daniel 3:1-11), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were ordered to be thrown into the blazing furnace which had been heated seven times higher, since these three young men refused to worship the gold statue raised by the King Nebuchadnezzar.  All three of the young men, had a strong faith that their living God will never leave them at the times of trials.

Always remember during your “trial period”, your faith will be thing which will be tested the more.  It is always the “Faith” which needs to play the key role at the times of trials, because with the size of mustard seed faith (Matthew 17:20) you can easily move the mountain. God honored their faith and never let them alone!  When King Nebuchadnezzar saw there was a fourth man among them in the furnace, he realized that it was God in there with them!   They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies. The hair on their heads wasn’t singed, their clothes weren’t burned, and they didn’t smell of smoke.

Don’t think you will be absolved from engaging in spiritual warfare, just because you are a born again believer!

Sometimes your finances will end up in the furnace, but remember God is in there with it!

Sometimes your health will end up in the furnace, but just gird up your loins, and yell “its fire time”!

Sometimes your relation will end up in the furnace, but remember with God, your relationship is “fire proof”!

What was the result of this trial?  King Nebuchadnezzar recognized that it was the true God, the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who had done this mighty feat.

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – (Hebrew 13:5)

You might even face strong storms in your life and could raise a question where is God. His presence is always beside you in your boat. He will calm the storms for you, just have faith in Him. The trials for Christian believers are merely to shape and grow you more into his love.  During the time of trial it is where you come to experience God’s mighty power,  maneuvering over your situation and experiences that God is beside you taking care of everything, as the battle’s not yours but God’s (2 Chronicle 20:15)!  Just be faithful and move in the direction God wants you to move.  God will never leave you alone in any of your situation, whether it can be family, relationship, ministry, etc.

There’s not an hour that He is not near us,

No, not one! No, not one!

No night so dark but His love can cheer us,

No, not one!  No, not one!

 

Jesus knows all about our struggles,

He will guide till the day is done;

There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus,

No, not one! No not one!  – Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Amen!