Abiding With God in the Heartache and the JoyShembull

Overcoming Trials  

How do we overcome trials? For they will crop up when we least expect them. Let me suggest this acronym to help your memory.

T – Thank and trust

Thank the Lord for the perseverance you are developing through this testing of your faith.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

R – Remember and repent

Remember your first love for the Lord and the many times he has brought you (and others) through difficult problems.

Repent - We need to search our hearts for hidden and presumptuous sins.

I – Investigate and inquire

Investigate- Find out what your options are.

Inquire- Ask the Lord what is happening and what is his will and timing in a situation.

A – Acknowledge and ask

Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He shall direct your path (Proverbs 3:6). Let us defer to him in all that we do, great and small.

Asking is one part of prayer. What would the Lord have us do in our unique circumstances, not once but as we go along each day?

L – Listen and love

Listen - Prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue between two persons who love each other, God and us.

Love - If we really understood his grace, we would begin from a position of rest, love and security and we would then do the works he has pre-prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).

S – Seek, share, stand

Seek his kingdom and his righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).

Share your struggles and dilemmas and pray and encourage one another.

Stand – sometimes when we have done all we can, we are just asked to stand (Ephesians 6:13).

Prayer

Creator God, thank you for the trials I face. Help me to develop perseverance as my faith is tested, always seeking your face and grace. Amen.