STAND FAST IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

"Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience" (James 1:3 AMP).

Have you ever been enveloped in trials?  A common saying is that "trouble comes in bunches" or "sets of three."  When I am enveloped by a trying situation or period of time in my life, it can envelop my mind.  It's all I think about!  "What do I need to do?"  "Why is this happening now?"  "How do I fix this?"  "Is God trying to tell me something?"  "Will me and/or my loved one(s) be okay after this?"  And the thoughts go on and on.

I find that my physical activities and energy are enveloped, also.  My eating and sleeping habits are changed.  My routine tasks are shifted to a place of lesser importance and need for accomplishment. I am introduced to a different environment and my body has to make adjustments.  During this trial, I may experience stress, adrenaline ups and downs, more fatigue, bouts of fear, discouragement and uncertainty. 

I feel out of control.  And I am!  This is when I will do one of two things:  (1) I can turn from God and try to find something else to depend on for help, or (2) I can turn to God and trust Him.  Or, there is a third response, I can do both. These enveloping kinds of trials and temptations can give me revelation as to whom, or what, I really put my faith in and rely on.  This is when I can suffer self-condemnation, shame at the lack of my faith; and, often when I am most vulnerable to satanic lies.

So, why should I "consider it wholly joyful," when I am enveloped in "trials or temptations?"  Because, this is when I can partake of the sufficient grace of God and experience His power in my weakness!  If I will seek, ask and approach the Lord; if I will believe in, trust and wholly rely on Him, I will receive what I need from the Lord (See James 1:2,5,6).  And if I will wait upon the Lord, expecting Him to act on my behalf, standing firm in His presence and ability, I will "lack nothing" (James 1:4; Isaiah 40:31).  I will know His loving kindness, His provision of hope and strength, His presence as a refuge in the storm, His guidance and wisdom that leads me through.  I will realize an increase in my confidence in Him, and, my assurance of His goodness and care will grow.  He will prepare me for the future and I will become more confident and sure to stand in His might and authority over all the power of the enemy.  And, I only need a little faith (all be it, a steady, unwavering faith) in Him?  How merciful, how generous, how kind is the Lord God Almighty!  Think about it.