TOUGHNESS IN TRIALS

“All this has come upon us; but we have not forgotten You, nor have we dealt falsely with Your covenant.” Psalm 44:17

REFERENCE:

Psalm 44:9-18

Israel experienced intense trials, as chronicled by the psalmist; they suffered defeat in battle, having gone in without God’s presence. Enemy nations plundered and scattered them as captives amongst the nations. They were sold as enslaved people at next to nothing and became a pariah nation and a byword amongst the people. It was quite a lot for a people loved by God to endure. The fact that the nation of Israel stands today is a testament to toughness in trials.

Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulations.” When satan throws trials your way, his goal is to get you agitated and take your eyes off God; it is to get you so stunned that it closes your eyes to God’s goodness in your life. Clouds of trouble may block the sunlight of God’s goodness, but like every cloud, they will pass, and the sun’s rays will shine again. Trials don’t last.

Israel understood the big temptation that comes with trials: ‘Abandon faith!’ ‘God does not care!’ ‘Curse God and die!’ They chose instead to keep God and His faithful dealings in mind. They remembered the covenant He cut with them and refused to let their hearts turn away from His way. They chose mental stamina and spiritual toughness in trials.

Earlier, in the wilderness, Israel was bitter and complained against God. Therefore, many of them died, and their sojourn became longer. God can turn your trials into testimonies; don’t quit through them. We show our Christian maturity by not letting our walk with God rise or fall with life’s sudden changes. Trials may come, but we remain tough through the trial by faith.

No matter what challenges you face – personal lack, afflictions, oppression, or persecution by men- you should never forget God. Make Him the constant in your life, and let Him be the anchor that holds your ‘big ship’ (your life) through the storms. Never doubt His love for you or question His integrity. Greater is He that is in you; maintain toughness in trials, and you will win.

PHOTO QUOTE

ADDITIONAL TEXTS: 

John 16:33, I Samuel 4:9, Proverbs 24:10, and Isaiah 42:2-3

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PRAYER

+ Lord, help me always to be of good cheer when trials come my way, knowing I will always overcome them with You on my side.

+ I receive grace not to grumble, complain, or turn against God in trials; instead, by faith, I will turn to God and stand through the trials in Jesus’ name.

+ Lord, I ask that You strengthen me with might/toughness in my inner man by Your Spirit.