Trials

August 23rd – 1 Peter 4:1

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1 Peter 4:1

The days are growing shorter until the day of the Lord. And until that glorious day, troubles and adversities will increase not only for Christians, but the entire world. But while we wait for the return of our Savior, Peter gives us some encouragement. He urges us to share the same attitude as Jesus when it comes to suffering. The agony Christ endured to give us eternal life should bring each of us to our knees in thankfulness. And so for us to suffer in the flesh like our Lord is not just a privilege, but a testimony of our faith. Because suffering in the flesh means we have made a commitment to turn away from worldly living. To forsake the pleasures of sin and the path of self indulgence. And instead be willing to experience hardships, trials, and afflictions for the sake of Jesus. To follow the example of our Lord and suffer for the glory of God and His will to be done.

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August 21st – Luke 22:42

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Luke 22:42

When troubles come our first response is to cry out to God for freedom and relief. Even Jesus who came to perfectly fulfill God’s plan of salvation, on His knees prayed, “Father if You are willing, remove this cup from Me.” But God wasn’t willing. And sometimes He’s unwilling to remove our cup as well. A hard truth, especially when we are knee deep in pain. But our God is loving, trustworthy, and faithful. And part of that faithfulness is allowing trials to come our way. Because in His infinite wisdom, God knows what we need to deepen both our faith and obedience to Him. Yet unfortunately, that mostly happens during times of testing. Jesus had the unfathomable burden of carrying our sins and paying for them on the Cross. Yet because He completely surrendered His own will to the Father’s, He was able to see God’s plan finished in victory. And if we submit to God, no matter the circumstance or how deep the pain, we too can claim victory and triumphantly declare, “Not My will, but Yours be done.”

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August 18th – 1 Peter 1:7

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1 Peter 1:7

I’ve heard it said that joy and sorrow and are like day and night. Meaning we can’t appreciate the beauty of the sunrise, without ever having experienced the darkness of the sunset. And so it is with our relationship with God. As His children we love the favor and blessings He bestows on us. But the truth is, it’s usually our times of trouble that build a deeper relationship with the Lord. For if we never taste the bitterness of life, we can’t fully savor the sweetness of God’s amazing love and grace. That’s why He allows trials into our lives. Because it is the fires of life which refine our faith. God compares this process to refining gold. When first mined, gold is soft, weak, and filled with impurities. But when put in fire, all of the grime, pollution, and corruption is melted. And what is left is a beautifully precious, purified, metal, stronger than before, and shining like the sun for the world to see.

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2 Corinthians 1:5

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2 Corinthians 1:5

During times of trials, we tend to become self focused. We take the problem and wrap it around ourselves like a cocoon, becoming isolated our sorrow. And in our self pity all we can think about is ourselves, our pain, and why God allows our suffering. We cut ourselves off from others becoming cisterns instead of channels. But God in His infinite wisdom, knows the blessings of tribulations. He allows them our lives for a duel purpose. First, adversity deepens our relationship with the Lord as we learn to lean on and trust in Him. Second, adversity allows us to comfort and encourage others. It is only through experiencing our own pain that can we relate to the pain of others. And because of the comfort and grace shown to us, we can extend that same comfort and grace to others. God always stands by our side during even the darkest of times. So we can rejoice knowing He has given us the blessing of doing the same for others.

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August 8th – Deuteronomy 31:8

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Deuteronomy 31:8

We live in a constantly changing world. And currently one full of turmoil and division. Change is hard, and for some it  produces anxiety and fear. Israel knew those feelings well. After following their beloved leader Moses for forty years, God dropped the bombshell that the next trek of their journey would be under the guidance of someone new. Yet in that change, God still promised to be by their side through every challenge. A promise He gives to us as well.  No matter the road we walk, whether crooked or straight, God has already cleared the path ahead. And through every trial, He is there holding our hands every step of the way. His love calms our fears, His strength carries us through, and His grace gives us peace, as we walk in Him. We never need fear or give in to discouragement. For the Creator of the universe, Ruler of all, will never leave our side or abandon us, even in the darkest of days.

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Safe In His Hands – Genesis 50

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The story of Joseph is a hard one to read. It seemed he couldn’t catch a break. Author A.W. Tozer once said, ‘It is doubtful that God ever used anybody greatly without first hurting him deeply”, and Joseph knew this firsthand. But even through his lowest of lows and highest of highs, Joseph recognized that it was the hand of God working in all things to bring about His will. …

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Safe In His Hands – Genesis 50 Read More »

May 2nd – John 16:33

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John 16:33

Are you in the middle of a trial and feeling hopeless? Turn to Jesus. For no one understands tribulation and pain like our Savior. He is our great Overcomer, and His victory at the Cross is the proof. And to those who abide in His love and rest in grace, Christ promises peace. A perfect peace that surpasses human understanding, and one that will heal our hearts and quiet our minds. Living in a fallen world brings with it troubles. But knowing we have a mighty High Priest interceding on our behalf, gives us the strength we need to face head on any circumstance. So keep your eyes on Jesus, and through Him claim the victory that is yours!

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Keep Fervent in Your Love – 1 Peter 4

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1 Peter 4

Some people mistakenly believe that being a Christian gives you a “get out of jail free card” when it comes to the trials of life. But adversity is a result of living in a fallen world, and believers aren’t immune from the pain of suffering. And in this chapter, Peter tells us that as Christians not only are we not to be surprised when facing persecution, we are to rejoice when we suffer for our faith. …

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The Value of Weakness – (2 Corinthians 12)

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2 Corinthians 12

The Apostle Paul faced many trials and tribulations during his ministry. He was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. Paul lived under constant fear of death, and often went hungry, thirsty, and cold. And even with all of this, God allowed him to be broken further by giving him a constant thorn in the flesh. But instead of giving in or giving up, Paul drew closer to God. And in the process he learned that there is strength in weakness. …

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February 10th – Romans 8:35

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Romans 8:35

As fallen beings living in a fallen world, trials and tribulations will come to us all. And it’s during those times when we can feel that God has forsaken or abandoned us. But Paul reassures us that is a lie from the Enemy. For nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from Christ’s love. We may turn from Him, but the Lord will never turn away from us. Jesus experienced unimaginable suffering and died nailed to a Cross to give us His unconditional love. When we receive Him as our Savior, our bond to Him becomes unbreakable, and the love He has for us will never fail or diminish.

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