Testing, trials, tribulations...oh my! These are not my favorite things. It doesn't feel good. In fact it feels downright awful. But there is also that small part that is curious to see how God works things out, to experience His faithfulness. I'm not sure how this will play out, although I am pretty sure it will not be any solution I would have in mind.
A person came highly recommended to do some necessary work on our home. All seemed to be good at the beginning, but now the whole thing is falling apart and going in a very bad direction. So where are we to go? What are we to do?
I felt very strongly that God wanted us to remain good witnesses throughout the process of dealing with a person who we feel is not doing right by us. Showing kindness and respect, while still being firm about our needs and expectations. Also, I know that praying for people that harm us is not a suggestion but a mandate from Jesus. These were the first instructions I received.
Last night, I tossed and turned, alternating between faith and despair. But throughout the night, and when I woke up this morning the promises of God kept running through my head. God has got us covered. (Just an aside, this is one of the reasons we need to be in the Word of God regularly. It puts His Word in our hearts, giving the Holy Spirit something to draw on when needed)
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a change to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
1 Peter 1:6-7 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
On and on the promises of our Father ring through my heart....He is so faithful to comfort, to reassure. This world is a scary place sometimes. People, circumstances appear to conspire against us. But we have an Advocate no one can overcome. As I typed out the verses here, the peace Jesus promises swept through my soul.
I've been asking Jesus, teach me to abide. And I think this is part of the lesson. Maybe I shouldn't have asked that, LOL. Just kidding. I want nothing more to be wholly and eternally abiding in my Lord and Savior. And learning to do that, especially in the tossing turmoil of this world is what will keep us on an even keel, able to weather the storms of life and remain a faithful witness for Christ.
What an amazing God visit this is. In the midst of the difficulty He has not forgotten us nor deserted us. Isaiah 49:23b Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”
Lord, thank You for Your comfort and Your care. Thank You for Your leading and teaching. Help us
to shine for You. We want to continue to follow You in this, continue to pray for blessing on those involved. Lord, please work this situation out. We trust You. You know that it's so easy to get into fear, into anger....I don't want that. Be glorified. And help us to remain in Your peace, abiding in You. But please bring completion and resolution to this problem. We need You.
Lord, I pray for those reading this who are going through their own trials and hardships right now. I pray that through these words they too will feel Your comfort and Your love. Encourage them through Your promises, and work our their circumstances as well. Bless them and keep them in Your peace Lord. You are our God, our heavenly Father and our Savior. You are the one who never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Thank You. I praise You for Your faithfulness and Your wisdom. Ephesians 3:20-21 Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Take these and maybe find some more promises in the Bible to hold on too through the difficulties that you face today.
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