Big triumphs are born out of big troubles.
God can do a whole lot, when you can't. Are you suffering some? Got some troubles or questions? Please put aside all unbelief and pray harder like you mean it. I mean, straining won't really help, but faith in the Bible God will. So get a hold of Jesus thee Solution today.
Are you going through some trials today? "Huh, trials? What are you even talking about?" Well, the lost have troubles that work against them, but true believers have trials that work for them as they cling to the Savior. The Bible tells believers in trials this: "Count it all joy.." (Jam. 1:2-4)! Can you believe that? Does it sound kinda weird? That's a very interesting admonition huh. How can God even put the word "joy" in the same context as trials? One day He'll wipe away all tears from our eyes, and I believe that means He literally will wipe em off our cheeks, but also give us His perspective. We will soon understand.
Are you going through some severe testings and tribulation right now? Man, I hate how that feels don't you? So sorry about that.. if you are in that junk. It'll eventually be good if you don't quit, believer. I know a lot of people tell you that sorta thing, but it's still true. God has a plan to get you through it. Stay in the Word. Immerse yourself in Him.
Know that God deeply cares, hasn't forgotten about you for one minute, and He also has a purpose in it. Are there some strong mature Christians near you that can give you some biblical counsel?
God might be preparing and training you today for what He will do in your life in the future. "Great Kurt! Just what I need to hear now. Yeah, what about right now?"
Well, you can still shine bright as you are open and honest about this stuff.. first with God and then with a few others. The Lord can comfort and encourage you in the here and now. I probably wouldn't share it with everyone, but it's wise to share this stuff with some.
There is no need to be embarrassed by the circumstances, or to hide it from trusted growing Christian friends who know how to intercede for people (who also have trials that they endure through..) or to hide it from your lost loved ones who might be able to do something real practical to help out. Relationships can be built for life during this type of stuff. Besides, You remember how God used unclean birds to feed and sustain Elijah. He was hungry and God was His Answer. God is your provider as well and will do providing for you however He pleases. So fix your gaze upon Jesus.
God might even answer your prayers and use you more in the middle of it all, as you are weak and He is strong. Sometimes He is waiting for us bullheaded or dull or carnal Christians to get out of His way, so that He can move and get some stuff done. Do you need to confess sins, and turn away from em?
Listen, you can indeed be full of joy in the here and now, not just after things settle down some.. as you are continually fellowshipping with and obeying Jesus Christ. He suffered a whole lot and knows what that's all about. He fully understands and is there for ya!
Here is the bottom line: Everyone is either progressing or regressing spiritually. Do the former and not the later, even if you experience trials. Are you currently advancing or retreating from God and His direct will for you? As a Christian, I am either growing or beginning to draw back ..and God really takes no pleasure in those who draw back. Remember how the wandering Jews in the wilderness wanted to go back to Egypt for some more onion breath? Bad idea! I am either gaining ground spiritually or losing ground spiritually. I choose to gain by God's grace and you can too! So what are you doing now? During times of fiery trial or outright persecution or acute pain, this can be a time of growth and victory where God is actually glorified. Let Him give you keen insight and mature you so you can help others in trials. Of course Satan is trying to work against you and me with his lies and deception (no need to fret about that or have extended conversations with such a dweeb..), as God is working for you and me ..and guess who decides what direction you and I will go in? Yup, you and I will choose - for we each must decide daily. It's the same with every believer. We decide by faith to enter then Kingdom and we decide to continue on with Christ when the storm clouds form. The Word says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (Jam. 4:7-8). Its' your move!
"The troubles that we face each day reveal how much we need the Lord; they test our faith and strength of will and help us then to trust God's Word." ~ D. De Haan
"Trouble, meet it as a friend, for you'll see a lot of it and you had better be on speaking terms with it." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
James said, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (See chapter 1:2-4). Perfected, completed, and with no lack—isn't that what you want? Those who seek the Lord simply won't lack any good thing (Ps. 34:10). ~ F4S
