Trust through Trials

Trust through trials

Day 1

Trust

Reliance; confidence; hope; credit; that which is entrusted; safekeeping; care; management. To rely on; to believe, to entrust, to sell to upon credit, to be confident. To have reliance; to confide readily. Held in trust.

Trial

a temptation or an adversity, the enduring of which proves the merit of an individuals faith.

I am in a small group study of Daniel by Beth Moore and would like to share some of the insight I have about trusting through the trials. Some of this information is from the study. Most is from the Word of God, and then of course, I have added some insight as well. We are squeezing in 5 days of information in 4 days because of the holiday, so I apologize for the length. - Heather.

Day 2

For Christians, to encounter adversity is to undergo a trial in which their faith is proved either true or false before God, the highest judge. Since many positive things come about through such trials, Christians are urged to rejoice at their occurrence.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

1 Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Christ Himself set the example in how trials should be endured when He defeated Satan's temptations by appealing to the word and will of God

Luke 4:1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’”5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. 7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.

10 For it is written:

‘ He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you,’
11 and,

‘ In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”

12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’”13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

Day 3

In the book of Daniel, Chapter 3, There is an incredible example of trust through trial, there is a fiery trial, literally.

Verse 13 starts with King Nebuchadnezzar in a rage because three of his servants choose not to bow down to the image he built. King Neb gave them another chance to bow down or he'd throw them in a furnace. He asks the three "and who is the God that will deliver you from my hands?". Their God given names were changed by Neb to reflect the worship of his gods. Their names were: Hananiah (renamed Shadrach), Mishael (renamed Meshach), and Azariah (renamed Abed-Nego). In verse 16 the three tell Neb that they do not need to answer him concerning the matter. They go on to tell Neb that "our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. "but if not, let it be known to you , O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will be worship the gold image which you have set up."

Now in verse 19 Neb was furious, he commanded men to bind the three up and cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

I realize many already know this story, but pay attention to the details with me: the men were still clothed and then were bound and thrown into the fire.

Let's continue.... verse 22 reminds us that the fire was so hot, it killed those who delivered the men into the fire. The three men fell down into the furnace. Then King Neb was astonished and questioned the number of men that were thrown into the fire, counting 4 instead of 3 and making a statement "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose (meaning not bound), walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

Do you believe that God will walk through the fire with you? Read this passage before you answer.

Isaiah 43:1 ...“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by your name;

You are Mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

Nor shall the flame scorch you.

3 For I am the LORD your God,

The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Back to Daniel, verse 27, it states that the men's hair was not singed and their garments were not affected and the smell of the fire was not on them.

It does not state that they remained bound!!!! Are you hearing me?

They made it through the trial and what had been binding them was no longer there. They did not smell like fire? Think back of a time you have been around a campfire, there is no escaping that smell. So they made it through the trial and the binding was released and they had nothing with them to remind them. No lingering scent of a trial.

Sometimes we face trials and get through them, but we come out smelly, we don't always come out giving God the glory, there are many times we have been released from bondage, but end up smelling so bad that no one sees our testimony, instead, they never see that they too, could be released from their bondage without the smelly stuff sticking to them.

What is that smelly stuff, well, it may not be what we originally needed to be released from. Some things that come to mind are: bitterness, unbelief, anger, self pity, resentment.... just to name a few. There are so many others, but that is not our focus right now.

The biggest thing I want to say here is that if we trust God to deliver us from trials, we need to give him the glory without bringing with us other bondage.

Philippians 1:12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,

Day 4

Praise Friday

Trusting through the trials

To help us understand better, I would like you to think of a trial you have been through recently or use the example that you have just found a mass or lump and there is enough concern from your doctor that it is rare to be benign.

Here are 3 things the Word of God tells us to do in the midst of trials.

As a Christian, we can be delivered. The first thing we should do, but many times do not, is pray for deliverance from the trial. When we pray for deliverance, we need to read God's word, listen for His guidance, and respond to him. We are told to go to a group of others and ask (where two or more are gathered....) for deliverance. This practice will build our faith as we are delivered from trials. Next time, try this instead of panic.

Perhaps we ask for deliverance, but do not receive it. There is a possibility that we will be delivered through the trial. With the above example, suppose that the tests come back and the mass is malignant. This is when we burn up at the mouth of the fire, or we go back to prayer warriors and we ask to be delivered through our trial. This is when we go back for another test and the mass is gone or the ear or shoulder is healed. This practice will refine our faith.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

Last, there may be a time or a we may know someone that has been delivered by the trial. We may try a new treatment, but not be healed and delivered into His arms. The fact that we want to stay here on Earth is our inability to understand what is to come. This practice will perfect our faith. We will then be made complete and our goal here will be attained.

James 1:12 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Peter 1:4 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 Now " If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

Dear Lord, I know that this is a much bigger topic than we should cover in one week. But I ask that you be in the midst of those who receive it and give them the knowledge and understanding that they need when they face trials. Lord, help us to come from those fires and bring forth only praises and not be bound by strongholds that trials may cause us to carry forth. Lord, I praise you for the deliverance you have given me in the trials I have faced and I thank you for being there with me while I was right in the middle of them. I ask that you will walk through our fires with us and weather you deliver us or not, that we can trust that your will is our ultimate goal, just as your Son, Jesus Christ, was able to do. In His holy name, Amen.

Depression

Day 1

Depression

Hello. This journey has been so awesome and I thank you for sharing in it with us. This week, I had a few words come to mind, but really wanted to see what God had planned for us and I believe this word was the one that I needed to share with you. Again, I learned many things from this study and hope that you are blessed by this word. When preparing this devotional, it did come to mind that we are all at different stages in our lives and that each and every one of us deals with depression in our lives. Maybe we do not suffer from it, but statistics show, we are affected by it. So, even if you do not think you need to read this because it may not pertain to you, this information may prepare you for a moment where God will use you in someones life.

Depression:

Websters Dictionary defines it as : An act of depressing or a state of being depressed: as a: a pressing down : (1): a state of feeling sad : (2): a psycho neurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies c (1): a reduction in activity, amount, quality, or force (2): a lowering of vitality or functional activity

My Bible refers to depression as worry and anxiety, sadness and sorrow. To be weary.

Lets see what it says.

Proverbs 12:25 - 25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.

Proverbs 10:22

22 The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

Proverbs 15:13

13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Day 2

What the Bible says about Depression.

The Bible shows that depression often follows great achievements.

Judges 15:18

18 Then he became very thirsty; so he cried out to the LORD and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of Your servant; and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?”

Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted. After a great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self-pity- "must I now die of thirst?" Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Don't be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory. During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts. It was his strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions and words focused on God instead of yourself.

Depression often follows a spiritual victory.

1 Kings 19:3

3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there.

Elijah experienced the depths of fatigue and discouragement just after his two great spiritual victories: the defeat of the prophets of Baal and the answered prayer for rain. Often discouragement sets in after great spiritual experiences, especially those requiring physical effort or involving great emotion. To lead him out of depression, God first let Elijah rest and eat. Then god confronted him with the need to return to his mission - to speak God's words in Israel. Elijah's battles were not over; there was still work for him to do. When you feel let down after a great spiritual experience, remember that God's purpose for your life is not yet over.

Remember God's Goodness when Depressed

Psalms 42:5-6

5 Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—

my Savior and

6 my God!
Now I am deeply discouraged,

but I will remember you—

even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan,

from the land of Mount Mizar.

Depression is one of the most common emotional ailments. One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to his people. This will take your mind off the present situation as you focus your thoughts on God's ability to help you rather than on your inability to help yourself. When you feel depressed, take advantage of this psalm's antidepressant: read the Bible's accounts of God's goodness, and meditate on them.

What Society Says about Depression

At a recent MOPS meeting, I had a chance to learn more about depression and found many interesting facts. Society makes it hard for women to admit to depression. With many moms having to work and play the role of mother, they are often left with no time for their selves, not even enough time to meditate on God's will in their lives. Studies show that increasing levels of physical activity, getting enough sleep, the right diet, having a support system, alone time, enjoyable activities and sex can keep you from being depressed. The Bible goes one step further, reminding us that God is our strength and that He is the one we must call on when we are not feeling up to par. We must find time to call on our Lord and we must be able to speak to those who are weary in their time of need.

Isaiah 50:4

4[The Servant of God says] The Lord God has given Me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He wakens Me morning by morning, He wakens My ear to hear as a disciple [as one who is taught].

Matthew 11:28-30

28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Day 3

So now is the time to share why I chose this word. I was given three words this week. Deliverance, Depression (or sorrow) and Direction. As I studied the verses about depression, this verse came up. So it was meant to be that those 3 words were used this week.

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

9Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10For godly grief and the pain God is permitted to direct, produce a repentance that leads and contributes to salvation and deliverance from evil, and it never brings regret; but worldly grief (the hopeless sorrow that is characteristic of the pagan world) is deadly [breeding and ending in death].

Do you believe that God will give us grief in order for us to repent and be delivered from evil? Why or why not?

Would you rather turn to God for your source of help in a time of need or to societies remedy, usually a hefty counseling bill, medication and feelings of isolation?

Is it fair to say that society views depression wrong? why or why not?

While I believe that it is always a good idea to get help when needed, could we be hindering people from their repentance, deliverance and salvation as a society?

Are you or someone you know struggling with depression, sorrow or anxiety? How could you share with them that God could be their source for deliverance from their ailment? How could God reveal to you His will concerning your physical, mental and spiritual well being?

After reading this, will you set aside some alone time for your self each day to refresh your spirit and meditate on God's goodness? Why or why not?

Day 4

Psalm 69:29

29 I am suffering and in pain.

Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.

Matthew 26:38

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Confess any tendency to ignore the signs of depression in your life or in your friends or families lives.

Ask God to help you to see his greatness and will in your life and the lives of others.

Praise God for salvation and that his will is greater than anything we could even imagine. Praise him for those people in your life that you could call on when your soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.

Pray for God to use you in the lives of those who are hopeless and have not yet received the repentance, deliverance and salvation that even we do not deserve. Ask for direction in your life concerning the times of great achievements, spiritual victories and times of sorrow.

Day 5

Revelations 21:4

4God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.

John 16:20

20I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that you shall weep and grieve, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

Praise Friday

Dear Lord, I praise you for your word, which is living and true to this day. I praise you for your deliverance from the depths of darkness. I praise you for the wonderful and loving God that you are. For you have a will that is greater than anything we can even imagine and I pray we will continue to walk down the path that you direct us towards, no matter how hard it may be. I know that we have all experienced some sort of sorrow or depression in our lives and ask that you help us to heal from those experiences to the point that we stand with our hands lifted high, in praise of your great love and mercy in our lives. Mostly Lord, I pray for each person that receives this devotional, Lord, would you give them strength and wisdom to be taught by you, to learn your ways and to be able to share your word in due time with those that will need you, that we may be able to teach those who are lost that only you can deliver them from depression. Amen.