Many of you are probably going through various tests and trials that more than likely bring you confusion, discord, and/or strife! (Sigh). But be encouraged beloved that God promises to give us peace, rest, and provision in the midst of the storm. Jesus tells us to take our yoke upon Him and learn from Him because He is gentle and humble in heart, and YOU will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29). God loves you so much and it's important to remember throughout your tests/trials you face (aka pruning process), God is doing His amazing work in you. He is the potter and we are clay. As the potter and we the clay, He is continuously molding and shaping us into the glorious image of His Son for His palatable glory. Therefore, here are some tips to remember as you're going through your trial:
1. Remember that you CAN pass this test. Paul mentions in 1 Cor 10:13 that "no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man, but God is faithful, HE will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.. but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." I love that God, the author of the universe, loves us so much that HE will give us a way to have victory in these struggles. God will give us a strategy to not give in to the enemy (the way of escape) and He will give us the grace & strength to have joy in our trials as we seek His face. Keep in mind that God promises to never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). So take heart, you will get through this! YOU shall overcome, my beloved friend <3
2. Remember the real enemy is satan! Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." There are so many things happening in the unseen and the enemy will use things/people to attack your spirit. Let me let you in on something: satan sees your light and he will use anybody(friend, coworker, church member,family member, stranger on the street) and anything( situations or your own thoughts, that's how desperate the devil is) to distract you,make you feel defeated/discouraged, and even to the point of having pity parties with yourself. We are WORTH so much more and WE are so much BETTER than that! We are a royal priesthood, a chosen generation. In essence, we have to stay girded in the WORD (God's truth) which will be further emphasized in my next point.
3. Remember in the midst of your trial, it's imperative that you MEMORIZE VERSES. Memorizing scripture doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as you want it or more elaborate. However it is important you keep at least 1 or 2 verses circulating in your brain stay remain planted in order to combat the enemy's tactics. I love writing verses on note card and putting in my pocket, my bag, or a book I'm reading so that if I randomly touch it, I'll happen to look at it and be encouraged. The enemy is very crafty and he knows your weakness. The enemy knows that if your mom says that one thing, it can send you to fit of anger or if someone flips you off, you'll start cursing them out in your head. James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. If anger is your problem, reciting this verse could help you reduce your anger that builds in your heart. To combat my anger, I remember this verse from James 1:2: " human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." I feel in my heart that we can control our anger to the point where we don't become angry anymore.Have I ever been angry in the past week? Oh yes! But when I realize that my anger will profit me nothing and possibly make things worse, I just shut my mouth, silently pray to God , Praise Him that He is going to work it out, and let it go! Is this easy? No! Do I get this right every time? By all means no! But this is the secret God is giving me to tell you all! When I do master this, it works every time God seems to fight my cause. You may think to yourself "that doesn't work for me" but check this out, it's not me doing it, it's the spirit of Christ inside of me giving me the desire & will to obey Him in order to be at peace in my heart. Realizing I'm hurting myself by holding on to the anger when God(Jesus) wants to give me peace gives me even more incentive to release it into HIS hands! He can and will do more for me much better than I could ever do in a thousand lifetimes.
4. Remember to pray without ceasing! Paul was telling the church of Thessalonica to " rejoice always, PRAY without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. As believers and sons/daughters of Christ, we must stay prayed up! The enemy is prowling around like a roaring lion, seeking whom He may devour ( 1 Peter 5:8). I tell you there's nothing like praying for someone who hurts you to change or the situation to change it, yet the situation or the person may not change right away ( or EVER). You may think " My prayers may never do anything", but think of all the fruit and good stuff God has developed in your heart. I learned my greatest lessons and matured the most through my enemies! They made me who I am and taught me some ugly, nasty things about myself that would not have been revealed had I been surrounded by my like minded sisters and brothers in Christ. Even if the prayer hasn't come intro fruition or the storm hasn't let up, remember God has promised to be with you. He will keep you in perfect peace as you keep your eyes on HIM. As you pray to God, He does His pruning work in you which is why it's so irritating and uncomfortable. However the pruning Jesus is doing inside of you by using the trial is perfecting you into His spotless bride to present you to His Father, without wrinkle or blemish. One of the key purposes' of tests is to conform you into His likeness. Ahh, Isn't that beautiful!? Keep praying because the prayers of a righteous man availeth much! ( James 5:16).
5. Remember this too shall pass! Sometimes we have to remember to be still and know that He is God! ( Psalm 46:10) God will fight your battles and right all your wrongs, just you WAIT on Him and TRUST in our God, THE ETERNAL, THE EVERLASTING! Psalm 30:11 mentions " you have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy." God is not man that He shall lie. He will bless you with peace and give you strength in the storm. As long as you fix your eyes on Jesus (like Peter), the storm will not overtake you and you will walk on water like Jesus! Just like Christy Nockels sings in her song "Revive me", 'give me eyes to see you in the dark.' As we continue to press in, His Presence will be more accessible to us.
Bonus: God is working everything out for your good! If we serve a faithful God who loves us, why not trust HIM? We have to remember God has our best interest at heart. He would not have allowed you to go through your storm/trial if there wouldn't be any good coming out of it! God's purpose in the trials/tests are 2 things: to refine us into the glorious image of His Son. (remember we are the clay & He is the potter) and to receive the glory. God will allow your situation to work for your good. He will cause your innocence to radiate like the dawn. God is faithful and just that if you allow HIM to use you , He will make your trial work for your good. Sit back and let the captain do HIS job!
God bless you all! I pray and hope you were encouraged <3
Suggested music to listen to for encouragement that I love :
- Intentional-Travis Greene
- Hold on to me- Elevation Worship
- For a moment- Elevation Worship
- God I look to you-Bethel Worship
Scripture references mentioned:
- Matthew 11:29
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Deuteronomy 31:6
- Ephesians 6:12
- James 1:9
- James 1:2
- 1 Peter 5:8
- James 5:16
- Psalm 46:10
- Psalm 30:11
