The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. When you ask, believe and not doubt. James 3:3-6
Release and trust. Trust God - whether you see victory yet or not - cause He IS gonna come through for YOU. Don’t just believe that God can do it, or that He’ll do it for others and not you. No … He’ll do it for YOU too, for He’s no respecter of persons. It doesn't matter what it looks like, God's still moving. Most of the time we don't see where God's been till after He's already past (done what we need).
If you feel alone or like God isn’t hearing you, that’s just not true. God is ALWAYS with you and He hears your EVERY cry. God hasn't abandoned you, He may have just stepped back so you could see how strong, tall and beautiful you really are.
I’ve been having a lot of physical problems lately, including trouble with both my knees (bursitis, bones separating, and possible gout) and I can barely walk. Both knees are swollen and now my legs are swollen, too. I started using my cane and now my hand and wrist have become so swollen that I can’t even use the cane anymore. I’m used to lifting weights every day, doing 2 or 300 sit ups a day, and walking 3 miles 5 times a week and now … NOTHING. I feel like I’m going stir crazy. It’s pretty frustrating. On top of everything else that I’m behind with, I have 2 acres of grass that needs to be cut, desperately (pray for help with that, thanks).
The below scripture from Job really brings fight to my soul, a desire to not give up. Each time I’ve had severe medical problems or have been in the hospital, the Lord has had it rise up from within my spirit and it renews my hope. I quote it quiet often and it’s really become like a theme scripture for me:
Though He slay me, yet will I wait for and trust Him and I'll maintain and argue my ways before Him and even to His face. Job 13:15
So often we think that we’re going through a severe trial or storm because we’ve sinned. Sometimes that’s true. The Lord will use our desperate times to show us areas that we need to work on. BUT, we need to stop receiving the lies of the enemy about us and what we’re doing and not doing, and instead be able to come to the Lord and ask Him what He thinks. BE STILL and listen to what He has to say. Wait on Him if you have to. He’s faithful to point out areas that we need work on … without beating us up. God is a GENTLE leader and a GOOD Father. During a trial if He shows you some area where you’ve sinned or need work on, ask for forgiveness, repent, and ask for grace and help to do better. Period. WITHOUT guilt or shame move on. If you don't hear anything, if the Lord isn't pointing to a particular thing that you need work on, you're probably not in the trial due to sin.
Sometimes the trials we go through are because WE’RE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT. The enemy would like nothing better than to steal, kill and destroy us. He doesn’t want us helping people and encouraging them in the Lord. Tough toodles, the enemy is a loser. We must be strong and continue to carry on. We’re gonna do it anyway.
If you’re going through a hard trial … that trial is almost over … hold on a little longer. The trial WILL come to an end. I said, the trial WILL come to an end. If you're doing your best ... KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING ... and be listening for further instruction. Our part is to praise, it's the Lord who actually defeats our enemies for us. Praise God (whether you see victory yet or not) 'cause He's gonna come through for you.
We don't have to be afraid anymore, because our loving, heavenly Father walks through the valley of the shadow of death WITH US.
Father, forgive us for the times that we hurt You. Help us to repent and move on instead of beating ourselves up when You show us areas that need work. Be the lifter of our heads. Encourage us. Be so close that we can feel Your loving arms around us. Lord, give us peace and rest on EVERY side. Help us to make it successfully through the trials you allow in our lives and help us not to give up while going through them. Defeat our enemies. Hold us in the palm of Your hand. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.