Trials
Romans 8:18 ESV
For I consider
that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory
that is to be revealed to us.
Earlier in Romans 8 Paul is talking about life through the
Spirit and being guided by the Spirit instead of our sinful nature.
This passage, I believe God is telling us to persevere
through our trials and stay focused on Him, because the promise of His glory is
so much more than we could ever imagine.
James 1:2-3 tells us to “count
it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know
that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”.
I have learned that the “joy” is not necessarily from the
trials, but the fact that I know He is there with me while I am going through
the trials. The hard part for me was always giving it over to Him, I felt like
a child seeking a parents approval by getting through it on my own. It was a
humbling experience when I finally realized that I couldn’t do it without Him,
but even more humbling knowing that I no longer want to do it alone.
So, how do I do it with him, you ask. Good question. First and foremost, I have learned to
have continuous conversation with God through prayer. The enemy knows how to attack each and every one of us,
because he knows the weaknesses of our flesh. By reading and listening to God’s word, and continually
seeking & speaking to Him, it makes it much easier to recognize when you
are being tried. Recognizing that
you are being attacked makes it easier to let Him take control and be at peace. James 1:12 says “Blessed is the man who perseveres under
trial, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those that love Him.”
So now it is your turn to decide, are you going to go
through it alone? How will you let God get you through the trials that you
face?
Mark Linder, lives in Norwalk and has been attending Hope
Church for 4 years. He serves on
the Men’s Ministry Team and the Board of Trustees.
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