TRIUMPHING THROUGH TRIAL
But I want you to know, brethren,
that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the
furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace
guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren
in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak
the word without fear. Philippians
1:12-14
We
all face trials from time to time. These trials come not to destroy us but to
challenge and build our faith. When we face our trials with the strength of the
Lord, and with the assurance that they will ultimately turn out for our good,
we always triumph over them. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, we read that the trials the
Apostle Paul faced were so horrendous that he sometimes desired to depart this
life and be with the Lord. But Paul learned to live above his circumstances,
and overcame all his challenges. And you too can do the same. Here are three
lessons we can learn from him:
• Focus on Jesus Christ and not the
problem. He has the sovereign ability to handle whatever you
are facing. When you relinquish control to God, He is free to work in a
miraculous way.
• Focus on the will of God and not on
the opinions of men. Seeking the counsel of others always
is a wise idea, and the Bible supports this. However, be sure what your friends
tell you align with God's Word, which is your ultimate authority. Seek godly
counsel from others but make sure that you spend time alone with God in prayer.
• Focus on positive results and not
personal pain. No one enjoys hardship. However, when trials
come ask the Lord, to show you what He wants you to learn from the situation,
and how you can apply those lessons to your life. Paul lived above his
circumstances because his focus was set on the Lord and not on his trials.
Prayer: Thank God for the trials that come
your way, declare that every trial will lead to your triumph.
Scriptural Reading: Philippians 1:12-14
