Persevering under trials
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12, NIV).
Life is about warfare and fighting. That’s why the Bible says, Fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12). Ironically, many people expect that everything should be easy if God is truly with them. At such, they expect to receive all of God’s promises on a platter of gold.
When the Israelites encountered the Red Sea, their happiness vanished and they concluded that God and Moses were misleading them. But God came to their rescue and made a way by parting the Red sea for them; thereby showing them that facing a challenge didn’t mean that he had deserted them. It was rather a proof that He was drawing them closer to Himself.
At other times, the devil wants you to think that you are the source of your own troubles. The Bible calls him a thief, killer and destroyer. Above all, he is a liar (John 10:10; 8:44). Since he knows everyone’s weaknesses, he accuses them using their weak points. His allegations usually seem right. So, most people tend to believe him.
Dear friend, if you believe him it is an invitation to discouragement; and that would render you powerless, helpless and clueless because you will lack the courage to stand against him. Eventually, one becomes his puppet. So, we must learn to reject the devil’s lies by drawing strength from the Holy Spirit.
Knowing the source of one’s problems helps one to deal with it well. Once you understand that the devil is your real enemy, he can no longer put you down like he had always done. If he comes using the instrument of anger, fear, unforgivingness, sickness symptoms, discouragement, etc, you will be sensitive in your spirit and find it easier to discern and dispel his strategies.
But he usually comes again and again. And you must not give in to him for your victory is closer than you think. To constantly withstand the enemy’s move is where perseverance comes in. When perseverance has finished its work, you will be …mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4).
Today’s Corporate Prayer: O Lord, help me not to give in to Satan’s wiles when I am very close to my breakthrough. In Jesus mighty name!”
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BIBLE IN A YEAR: Luke 11 – 12
Also Read: Adversity
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OLUWAGBENRO BLESSED is a writer, musician, an evangelist, a teacher and student of the Bible. He, alongside his wife Nike, coordinates the GraceToday Foundation. Together with their team, they reach out to millions of souls everyday via various social network platforms with God’s words of grace, healing and restoration. Lots of testimonies are being received to God’s glory.
