Facing Trials....

In life we all experience rejection, betrayal and feelings of insecurity.  Sometimes we wonder how to react or what to say or do in response.  We might toy with ideas of confrontation and letting others know their responsibility in regards to how we feel.  We might sink down in despair and lose sight of our worth and value as a direct response to others' actions towards us.  Or we might take a "time out" and find ourselves humbly on our knees seeking the face of Jesus and asking Him for insight, wisdom and strength to press through.  I hope that as Christians, the latter path will be chosen, though it will include putting the desires of the flesh to death. 

Though life is never easy and the temptation to get caught up in the everyday emotions of it all can be overwhelming…we must choose to rise up and show ourselves different than those in the world.  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

When we face trials we often feel alone and isolated and wonder if anyone really understands what we are enduring.  Celebrate the fact that we have a Savior that has already "been there, done that".  What can we face that He has not?  Betrayal?  Check.  Rejection?  Check.  Injustice?  Check.   If anyone has ever had a right to “get even” and walk in the flesh, it was Jesus.  Yet He chose the higher road.   “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth”. (Acts 8:32)

No matter what life brings our way we must not forget that we are loved by Jesus who through His Holy Spirit, grants us strength to move forward (Psalm 29:11).  We must not forget that He has promised to never forsake us or leave us.  (Deut 31:6)  We must not forget that He is the grantor of wisdom when we know not what to do.  (James 1:5)  We can trust that He will gently lead us and guide us as we choose to transform ourselves into His likeness.  (Psalm 31:3)

Will it be hard?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  Yes!!!  Anytime we say no to the flesh and choose the path of humility, the eternal reward is worth more than any fleeting moment of confrontation or a "pity party" might bring us.  “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

Today, let's continue to keep our eyes on Him, the author and PERFECTOR of our faith, and know that our heart is safely in His hands and we possess the power through Him to endure whatever circumstances of life might bring our way.  Choose to trust Him today.

“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18)