Growth Through the Trial
Matthew 6:33 (TPT) “So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from Him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly."
In my time with God this morning, I'm overwhelmed with praise for His goodness and every answered prayer. As I'm pondering just how amazing He is, I'm reminded of the things that have tried to attack my mind and take root in my heart, yet were soon turned into the greatest blessings in my life. Blessings rarely start out that way. They usually begin with pain, anxiety and torment. That's crucial decision time. Will we continue to focus on the obstacle, therefore giving it power to manifest its destructive effects on our life? Do we place our attention on Jesus and His Word, therefore, by faith, allow His power to manifest in the midst of the darkest storms?
There was a time that my son, who was called by God, was backslidin, angry, in fights, drinking heavily and in and out of jail. I must say, seeing the enemy's manipulation in the life of your child is extremely painful, no matter what these situation may be. When you can see their bleak future in the natural, it can be quite devastating. As the effects of his sin began to destroy his life, the trial brought me on my knees! It taught me about praising and trusting God instead of complaining, no matter what I saw or heard. It taught me about decreeing and confessing the positive outcome when his actions had no resemblance to what was desired! It taught me to REBUKE the devourer that was determined to destroy him before he could fulfill his God given destiny. It taught me to fast until I saw God's will come to pass. It brought me closer to Jesus because without remaining hidden in Him, the storm would have devastated me. The results... well... most of you know who my pastor is....
There are too many trials and blessings that I've experienced to write about in this devotion. Actually, without the trials the blessings would have never been realized. The attacks in my body helped me exercise the authority that was given by Christ's stripes! The financial trials taught me about the value of the tithe relationship and how fulfilling our part of the covenant reveals His provision in an incredible way. Marital problems... that was my favorite...it brought me into an intimate relationship with my Bride Groom, Jesus, and allowed me to draw from His strength and fulfillment, instead of depending on man to give me what I needed. By the way, in return, my marriage was completely transformed and blessed!
Putting God first always reaps positive results. When you look at each circumstance as a new opportunity to draw closer to Him, study His Word about the particular situation and trust Him completely with the outcome, the trials become adventures! I can honestly say, He has way surpassed my imagination through every answered prayer. That certainly does not mean that we haven't had our share of troubles... on the contrary, it's through them that we've witnessed His beauty, strength, peace and overwhelming love. Yes, we have many testimonies, but that means... we've been through some stuff!
Experiencing a trial? PRAISE GOD! Your life and faith could be changed forever! Trust Him, learn the lessons He wants to teach you, grow, worship and get excited about this opportunity to experience His special intervention into the details of your life. You are about to get to know God in a very new, different and personal way! Remain hidden in Him through the process! Your testimony is on its way!
Proverbs 24:10 (NKJV) If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.
John 9:2-3 (NKJV) And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him."
1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation.
Philippians 4:12-13 (TPT) I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.
Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
