Difficulties in Life
August 18, 2022 - How do you view troubles and persecution when they enter your life? Do you complain, get depressed, get angry and resentful and worry? Are you immediately filled with fear and anxiety? I dare say that all of us have camped out in one of these "campgrounds" at one time or another when troubles and trials come.
I know I have. Lately, it feels as though Steve and I have gone from two healthy adults one day, to two adults with health issues the next. You ask yourself, "what happened and why now, Lord"? However, what I am learning is that God has a plan and purpose for everything that we go through. In 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 it says this - "....we (Paul, Timothy and Silas) boast about how you continue to demonstrate unflinching endurance through all the persecutions and painful trials you are experiencing. All of this proves that God's judgement is always perfect and is intended to make you worthy of inheriting the kingdom of God, which is why you are going through these troubles" TPT.
When we go thru trials, troubles and persecution, it is imperative that we stay focused on our heavenly Father. He says that there is a divine purpose for us going thru trials and troubles. In the commentary it says, "No matter what difficulty we may pass through, a growing faith in Christ, an increasing love for others, and unwavering hope will be the keys to coming through it victoriously". Remember, that the difficulties we are currently facing, ALWAYS have a plan and a purpose. It may not seem like it at the time, but God is making us "worthy of inheriting the kingdom of God". Knowing THAT bit of info can get me thru anything that I may have to face. How about you?
Instead of lamenting about the situation that we may find ourselves, do this instead.......THANK God for whatever it is that you are facing. THANK him daily. Ask him to use it to make you "worthy of the inheritance of the kingdom of God". Ask him to develop your love and compassion for others as you walk this new road that he has placed you on. Remain steadfast in his love for you.
How do you do that? Get in God's Word and look for those verses that speak life to your situation. Write them down. Daily decree and say them out loud over your situation. By doing this it plants the Word of God deep within your heart which helps you get thru any situation that you are facing. It reminds you that God is not a liar and his promises are ALWAYS true. It reminds you that any situation/pain/trial is redeemable. It reminds you that God loves you immensely. It reminds you that our God is sovereign.
In Isaiah 50:7 it says - "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. THEREFORE, I HAVE SET MY FACE LIKE FLINT, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame" NLT When going through a season of trials, remember to "set your face as flint" and DO. NOT. BE. MOVED. by what is happening to you or around you. We serve a Mighty, Loving and Faithful God, no matter our circumstances. We can be assured that HE will carry us through and that God is working in our lives to make us "worthy of His Kingdom". Praise God!