TRIALS

                                                                         

                                                        TRIALS

I was recently blessed with a visit from one of my loved ones.  Though it was sweet, it was also bitter.  It was a trail that lasted almost a month and it sorely tried my patience. I did not like some of things it produced in me. I constantly asked God what was I to learn through this. Some of the anwers I did not llike, for example;

Trials or afflictions have a source and a purpose. God is in control of the time and the intenseity of the trial.  He has designed it for His glory and a specific need in your life.  Meanwhile, you are not to worry; worry is a waste of time and energry. 

Worry negates faith. Faith is only as good as the object you put it in. Faith is the ability to feel so sure of God, that no matter how dark the day, there is no doubt as to the outcome. Faith is a step on oa rock in the dark.  The trial will prove to be good if you respond in faith.

The trial will strengthen your faith; grow- you- up.  It will be an opportunity to express endurance and perserverance under pressure. God is going to develop Christ-likeness in you, through the trial. 

The trial will help you to measure your spiritual walk with God.  It is an opportunity for God to do something in your life. God will walk you through if you respond by believing.  If you do not understand the ways of God, you will be frustrated.  By His grace and power you will overcome.

Some trials God sends and some He allows.  Wisdom is seeing trials fom God's viewpoint and following His word by responding accordingly.   (James 1:1-12 & 1Peter:4:12 &1:7).

PRAYER: Father God may I always be mindful to give you praise in the midst of my trails.  Help me to worship you from the center of my pain so that I can always glorify you.  Let the joy in  my heart be contagious to others that are bound by circustances. Amen

Holy Downsizing

Psalm 119:71

It is good for me that I Have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues.

During this time of trials and tribulations that have come recently into my life, I have learned to lean on the LORD more and more. I have learned to do without and to know what the word sacrifice really means. The worldly word for cutting back and reducing expenditures called (downsizing), has become very vivid in my current situation.

Yet, I will still call upon the LORD and believe in His Word and promises that, "this too shall pass."

It did not come to stay. It is only here to try my faith to see if I will believe God's Word. Therefore, I can say with joy in my heart, that it was good for me that I have been afflicted.

In Naves Topical Bible I counted 28 and one half pages of Biblical scripture on the word Afflict, Affliction, and Afflictions. It has become very clear to me that I must suffer something in order to gain spiritual mastery of the mystery that is hid in Christ.

Consequently, I can count this present affliction as a joyful time to get to know my God more intimately. To increase my measure of faith and become more like Jesus.

Walking on the waves of affliction teaches me to keep focused on Jesus and prayer.