When we allow trials to divert our attention, they thwart
us from performing the works, which God prepared for us to do before the
foundation of the world (Ephesians 2:10). We run headlong after life with
every distraction that our family, the world, the flesh and the devil bring our
way. We live life at a full tilt bouncing from one issue to the next. We do not
intend to purposely fall away. It happens gradually, with one good excuse after
another until we are caught in a downward spiral
We get so busy living life that we fail to live for God.
Satan strives to use our trials to unseat our joy by causing confusion, defeat,
anxiety and depression (2 Corinthians 4:8). Frantic panic feeds on the
unresolved conflicts within our soul, fueled by Satan’s lies, which he placed
in the experiences in our past. Subconsciously, we believe his lies as the
truth, and we spin our wheels in our attempts to serve God and to walk in His
Truth.
Persevering prayer allows God to reveal His truth about that
former experience, and the devil and his lies must flee from us (James
4:8). The freedom we experience once we hear God’s truth will remain in our
soul forever. Jesus gives us His resurrection life in every area of our
existence, even in our body through eternal glorification once we pass from
this life into the next. While we live on earth, our spirit and soul
providentially prosper by His loving kindness, which is better than life (Psalm
63:3).
Christ in us is sufficient to respond to the challenge of
any trial and to bring His rest to our soul (Colossians 1:27; Hebrews 4:10). Every
circumstance encountered by a child of God becomes a providential prospect for
His divine provision. Therefore, we can view each circumstance, even the
negative ones, with thanksgiving and delight (James 1:2-8; 1
Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Peter 1:6-8). Our
faith triumphs under the pressure of trials (James 1:11). Living
completely in the will of God is truly the happiest place on earth (Colossians
3:1).
Prayer:
Father God, help us to restrain our wayward thoughts and to
live clear-headedly with purpose and devotion to You. Increase Your grace,
which we received at salvation; and remind us to hope in Your mercy (1 Peter
1:13). We do not want to lay up treasure for our self here on this temporary
earth, but in heaven where they will last for eternity (Matthew
6:19-21). We are blessed if we remain focused on You during our
trials, because You give us Your crown of life once we stand firm through the
test.
Thought for the Day:
This world is passing away; but those who do the will of
God live forever. - 1 John 2:15
