This was a word of encouragement I shared with a ladies’ prayer group.
[It has been edited for this blog post.]
Scripture Reference
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].
Romans 8:37 AMP translation
Don’t be confused when God doesn’t deliver you from circumstances or troubles. That may not be his intention. Rather, know that in those trials and troubles, God will cause you to conquer.
The most important word is “IN”. It’s through these trials and troubles that God makes us conquerors. Not after. But in. While we’re in the thick of it that’s when we begin to realize a decision must be made. A decision whether we fully will lean into trusting God or run towards self-reliance which is exactly what the enemy tricks our minds into thinking is the best and sometimes only option. It’s not easy when faced with this decision. During good times we immediately know what we’ll say. We’re saved so of course we’ll say trust completely in God. But when we’re in those trials and troubles and the current outlook looks bleak, hopeless, and painful we being to cast doubt and grapple with the voices we hear. Trying to discern which voice is God’s voice and which is our own.
As we begin to lose our identity that we either created, was given or the world told us was us and we surrender to the unveiling of the identity we are in Christ is when trials and troubles seem more pronounced and abundant. In these dark times we walk through we are thrown scriptures to memorize, lean on and hold onto. But if we’re being honest, sometimes, those scriptures just feel like words. Words that won’t change what we’re experiencing. The pain, the tears, the heartbreak. It’s not the words but the power that lies IN those words that we must hold dear within our hearts. The power in those words is what will give us the strength to take life moment by moment day by day.
Sometimes, the greatest victory comes as a result of living fully and freely within the challenges of life. It is in those times that God is carving out your calling through the chiseling of your character as he shapes you into the strong, patient, caring and trusting follower of Christ he created you to be. Your true identity.
We were told to pray to God to receive clarity and understanding on our calling. It could be in those trials and troubles you’re praying to escape from that God is revealing your calling to you. If Jesus can love us so much that he would die to atone for our sins, we can show God how much we love him by praying for our calling and using the trials and troubles we face as a way to allow his glory to shine through us so we’re seen as the salt and light (to preserve and guide) our communities and cultures which desperately need to see that.
We may be God’s only true example for them. An example of handling trials and trouble is what many people lack in their lives. They’re used to just running. Running away from things that are hard. Running away from things that are uncomfortable. Running away from things that take too long to pass. When they run they don’t get to claim victory. Neither do we. We just run to a new trial or trouble. Taking a pause to pray through the trial or trouble no matter how long it takes will reveal God’s plan for our life. That plan is what your community or culture is waiting for.
We have to see God’s intention IN those trials and troubles. Not to escape the pain but to conquer them.
If you want to give your life to Christ, say this prayer below.
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