Trials, endurance and roadblocks…oh my!
‘Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.
Psalm 17:5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip
Does it seem that you are tempted more often sometimes than others? Does it feel as though every avenue you take seems to be hampered? Are there suddenly lots of stressors, roadblocks, and hardships as you excitedly start on the path you feel He set before you?
It happens almost all the time when we turn more fully to God and what He wants for us. We are suddenly bombarded by opposition. Opposition from Satan himself. One roadblock, trouble, and doubt after another may spring up as the demon tries to fill us with uncertainty all so we will veer off the right path and stumble along, until we fall. Satan loves and delights in our failures to follow God. And he tries his best to make our paths rocky and rut-filled, he is chuckling (demonically) when we question if the direction is truly of God. And if we persist in the direction set before us by God, the troubles, problems and lies build up.
But when the doubts, fears, uncertainties are attacking, that is when we need to rebuke the demon, continue to seek God and the Holy Spirit’s direction. If our paths are set by God, there will be a peace we have, knowing we are going the right way, and know God will see us through the blocks in the path—often in ways we could never have imagined. There is such marvel when somehow doors open and light shines when we are unable to see any way possible.
‘Suffering and trials are a way God tests our faith, a testing ground for true identity and beliefs. It is also a “hothouse” for character growth and development. Yet God will not leave His people broken or bewildered forever. The question is not whether God will reward the righteousness and punish the wicked, but when He will do it. Whether it happens sooner or later, on earth or in heaven, rewards will indeed be given in God’s perfect timing.’ Pg 667 Of The women’s Study Bible, second edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 2006 referring to Job 42:7-17.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ
God allows the evil one to torment us and cause us distress to test us, to develop and strengthen our faith, and to show how He can pull us through when there is no earthly way to finish the task. He asks us to trust, to have faith for what we cannot see, and to walk even when our minds are full of doubt, but our hearts are sure in His peace
It’s scary when we start on a new path, even when we feel SURE(?) that this is the path He wants for us? But is it? Is it our desire for this to be the right path? Are we reading correctly or are we interpreting our own conclusions? Are we in prayer and LISTENING to and for His voice and direction? Do we want something SO badly we want this to be His path, but is it what He wants for us? Is it His will for our lives? Are we trying to write our interpretations of what we THINK He wants?
It’s not always easy to know. We SO want what we want…and because of that our hearing, our heart is affected. We Do NOT hear clearly what He wants. We color it our color, and then try to justify. Difficult.
How can you hear? How can you pray and not influence (sway) and manipulate your answer? Your prayers must be heartfelt and true, LISTENING to what you get back. Read the word. If there is anything that is causing your heart to hesitate, wait. Seek. Do not move ahead without a peace in your heart. The Holy Spirit was given to us when Jesus died. He is a gift. He is to help us remember the Word, to imprint God’s words on our hearts and in our minds, and He is a Counselor, and will guide us when we are confused. But we MUST pay attention.
We are human. We want what we want, when we want it. There is an adeptness we have at convincing ourselves this is God’s direction; BUT IF we pay attention, we know it is not. There is no peace with what we have decided. We are uneasy with our decision. We are fearful. Deep down we know it is not right, it is not God’s direction.
Once I move forward in a direction that is NOT God’s will, I don’t know how to back out. I am too concerned with people’s response, than stepping back and regrouping and moving forward to what God’s will is. Shame. But Okay, now what do I do? I’ve compounded my issue and am not able to fix it. What would be the cost? Hmm, rest, peace? But I can point out at least three times in my life, I followed Kathy’s desires, knowing full well, that was not the direction God wanted for me, yet unsure, frightened as to how to back out and not pay a big price, a human price. A bit of money? Some shame, embarrassment? I certainly have not experienced any time in HELL. Nor do I want to. So is not eternity worth far more than embarrassment or shame?
I believe so, yet, I have messed up in my lifetime. And more than once, I am ashamed to say.
Listen to your heart when you pray. Go with the decision that gives you peace and rest, and a certainty. Do move forward with unease. It is never worth it. He will be there if you follow Him. And if you choose the wrong path, yes, He can turn it to good. But that’s down the road, after a period of time of you being in the wrong place and having to struggle through for a time. Taking His way is always the best choice even if the road looks like it might have some hardships, He is with you and will be there to help.
I choose from now on to seek Your will for me; to make my decisions on Your guidance. I am so thankful You have upheld me even when I made wrong decisions. Thank You for the blessings bestowed on me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Comments