Tag: trials of life

How to Know Hope When Facing Trials in the World

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. And now will I shew thee the truth. Daniel 11:1-2

The messenger of God is standing before Daniel prepared to give Daniel a detailed account of events that are to come for the nation of Israel. The future includes years of tribulation and sorrow. There will be moments of severe distress for the nation before the time when God establishes His Kingdom on earth. The messenger begins with: 1. God is in control and 2. I will show you truth.

 

When heartbreak, trials, suffering, uncertainty all are before us; we need to know that very same message. We need to know that God is in Control and He will tell us truth. God has never said, “Everything is going to be easy here on earth. Follow me! I will give to you: health, wealth and success.” No, quite the contrary, He has said,

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. I Peter 4:12-13

Throughout my life, I have learned to hold tight to these two truths with all my heart and soul.

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How to Face Life’s Greatest Trials with Peaceful Confidence

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?

God is in the storms

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.

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30 Days That Really Promises Victory, Joy, and Hope

30 Days That Really Promises Victory, Joy, and Hope

There have been so many challenges over the last 30 days. Challenges that pushed and pulled at my heart. There came a moment when all of life seemed to crash in around me. Suddenly overwhelmed with tears, I cried. I cried for struggles my daughter was facing, I cried for the suffering and death of a woman I knew by name only, I cried for the struggles a son was facing, I cried for a husband’s loss of his life partner, I cried for mom, and I cried for all the suffering of the world. So, did all of this matter? Do all of these prayers make a difference? Yes, a resounding yes!! We live in a broken world.  We will face sorrows and trials; but, that is even more why Prayer Matters and must be an important part of our daily lives as sojourners here.  I could never face the chaos of this world were it not for a heavenly Father’s loving arms to run to!!

kacas0457

© Kevin Carden/Licensed from GoodSalt.com

[bctt tweet=”It is those early mornings alone with God that transforms me to know His Love, Joy&His Glory.”]  It is there where He restores me, cleanses me, and renews my hope.  He provides me with His guidance for today and the future before me.

I began this 30 day prayer challenge with you. This was an additional challenge to myself. Before this I believed I prayed a lot; but, I had not set aside a time specific to pray with no interruptions 30 minutes each day. At the same time, I promised you that I would post every day for all thirty days. God is so good and so gracious. Many mornings I awoke with no idea of what to write. By the time the 30 minutes of prayer ended; I had clarity to write for the day.

What are the benefits of such a prayer life?

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Along the Road of Life

Along the Road of Life

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

As I walked along this road of life

Amidst the rambling thorns of strife

I felt the pains-like sharpened knife

Tear open scars of yonder day

 

I gazed before me – looming there

Were mountain peaks in sunlit glare

I wanted then to cry a prayer

My silenced voice nothing could say

 

I felt so desperately alone

Until a light before me shone

A King who sat upon a throne

A path now lit before me lay

 

And then I heard a still small voice

That called to me to sing, rejoice

I pondered then to make the choice

Oh could it be I could say yea.

 

I felt within a warmth, a glow

It felt as if my heart did grow

As joy and love within did flow

The pains were gone, now gone away

 

I took a step, just one at first

Desiring more His hope I thirst

To drink His love until I burst

With laughter’s wondrous ray

 

Amazing then before my eyes

The mountains that had hid the skies

No longer did before me rise

Instead beneath my feet did lay

 

My heart rejoicing always sings

As lifted up on eagles wings

My weakness bids- His strength He brings

My fears and doubts He comes to slay

 

And so dear friends, I bid you now

To follow Him, before Him bow

My greatest treasure I avow

His Joy will fill your heart today

Ronald

The artist that drew this picture as well “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba.  He has also drawn the front cover pictures used on my books.   Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you.  Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects and to discuss pricing.

©2015 Effie Darlene Barba

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.