Doubts and Trials
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.
Do you have doubts and questions, uncertainty? It’s sometimes so difficult to maintain faith when you are going through trials. Initially, you have the reassurance that God is with you, but then it feels that more and more is being added and the doubts start creeping and slithering into your mind.
It is easy to have faith and be thankful and knowing when all is going good, and you are not in a negative and testing season. But when you are having a season like Job had, and the losses and difficulties are multiplying, it is hard to not doubt. Have you not cried, “God, are You still there? Can You hear me?”
Then it is easier to hear Satan’s lying whispers. Softly, and steadily he murmurs that ‘God has given up on you, that He is not truly there, steadfast, and true. After all, with all you have done, and continue to do, to fail at, why should He not throw up His hands and move on to someone who is more faithful, more dedicated, more of a worker for His kingdom. Certainly, God does not need a weak person who cannot do for Him.’
We need to hear from God during those stressful times, and it is difficult to maintain the faith. He does still care, He is still with you, and all will work out as He has planned for you. He does test us to strengthen our dependency on Him, to show us if we have faith, He will deliver us from our difficult paths. That is when we must say ALOUD, “God, I feel so alone. But I know You are with me, as Your word promises that, not once, but promises it abundantly and repeatedly. And I am trusting that. But I sure would like to feel Your heavenly arms surrounding me as You are carrying me. I don’t like this part of my journey, but I have Your word, Your promises, and that is what I cling to. I will not cling to the fears that are surrounding me at present.”
God does not tell us we will have no reason to fear. He says He will be with us, help us, and He has a good plan for us. The verses range from “Do not be afraid,” Do not worry or be anxious,” “Be of good courage,” “Fear not.” The internet gives varying numbers to how often it is said, but I do believe the variations of fear, courage, anxiety and worry are all the basic same command. Depend on Him as He is with us and wants the best for us. If we put our trust in Him, we will have no reason to despair. That does not mean we will not have sadness, but He is with us, and will help us overcome all our despair and worries.
There will be scary and frightening at times in our world. We shake our heads at the harmful things and way people are living and behaving, and the unrest throughout the world. The Word does not promise that we will have no troubles. In fact it says the exact opposite, “I have told you these things so that in Me, you may have peace. You will have trials and tribulations in this world. But I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. But as we are walking the paths of fear, weakness, and aloneness, we have to push Satan’s lies away. He comes through in miraculous and unseen ways often times. That is to show all that He is God, He is in control. He has us!
I find memorizing many different verses helpful. I have copies of verses in my car that I pull out and read if I have to wait for someone; I have them all around my desk, and read them as I sit and ponder things, and I have some in my bibles which I skim through if they happen to fall when I’ve picked up that bible for a verse check. I probably cannot tell you even the book many are in, but I can recognize my favorites and use them to strengthen me when shaken, becoming anxious. And they reassure me and give me the reassurance of His strength and His being with me.
Thank You, God that I am familiar enough to pluck particular verses to help me when needed. You are there for me always, and aid me with all of “mybellaviews.”
Comments