Our lives are filled with seasons of great trials. Sometimes those trials are short in their duration and other times they go on for years with little relief. Sometimes it is a tragic illness. At other times it is an unexpected turn of events that comes crashing in on our well planned out lives. Whatever the trial is and no matter how long that trial may be, we need to find a way to face that trial with confidence. How do we find peace in the midst of that trial so that our responses are wise and steady? How do we hold fast to our faith without falling deep into despair when our world falls apart? How do we keep facing devastating trials with hope within?
Jesus was brought to trial before the chief priests first and then before the Roman authorities. He was mocked. He was questioned. They would slap Him and jeer asking that He tell them “who had touched Him.” As the night went on they beat Him severely, placed a crown of thorns on His head, spit in His face, placed Him in purple robes and presented Him to the very crowds that He had so lovingly served. This crowd who had even followed His every word a few days before now screamed “Crucify Him.” Although, He could have whispered one word and a legion of angels would have destroyed all these men; He calmly stood and softly spoke only a few words in response. Within those few words and the ones which came shortly before we can see the keys to facing any type of trial we too may face.
KEYS TO FACING TRIALS
1. A Lifetime of Prayer—Jesus prayed early every morning. When He was to face a challenge, He increased the intensity of the prayer. You may ask, “What if I am in the trial now and haven’t been spending time in prayer before now?” Good time to start. Then as this trial fades, keep praying daily. Don’t be a trial only prayer warrior—I guarantee that the next trial will not appear so large if you are walking in close fellowship with the Father.
2. Remember that God has the power to stop the storm at any moment—so if He doesn’t He has a plan for your good in the midst of the storm. “53 Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” (Matthew 26 NKJV). There is no trial or storm in your life but what God has ordained it to be there and He has a loving plan that will bring you to a place of hope and joy. (Psalm 107:25-29). For me, knowing that God is right there with me is very powerful.
3. Remember that your entire lifetime is but a moment compared to eternity. This is not your final destination. “36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Any pain, trial or suffering is endurable if you recognize the truth that it will not last forever. Focus on that truth.
4. Remember our greatest joy, hope and treasure is our relationship to our Heavenly Father which is held secure by God Himself. Because I accepted Christ as my Savior many years ago, there is nothing I can do that will cause God to turn His back on me. That is His Grace toward me—He is there with me in every trial I face. He is always present with me, in me and will guide me safely home. On that I am certain. Because of that truth, I only long to seek Him and follow Him. My faltering steps lead me ever closer to Him—my truest love. I seek to honor Him with my life because of love and devotion; not because of fear. Knowing that, I face every trial with the focus of His Joy before me—His face before me. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12 NKJV)
I urge you to take the time to listen to this sermon from Keith Simon of THE CROSSING CHURCH entitled Jesus is in the Boat With Us.
New King James Version(NKJV)Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.