Trusting During Trials

This article is from Issue 4, Called to Trust

SETTLE IT IN YOUR HEART

Bible Reading Series

Dear Reader, it is most recommended, if you are able, that you physically write out all verses mentioned below in full, perhaps in a notebook. Not only are these verses helpful as a reference, but seeing and reading combined verses on a particular theme from the whole council of God’s Word is highly beneficial for spiritual growth. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and to illuminate His word to you, and to impart the faith needed to be both a hearer and a doer. Remember, He is our Wonderful Helper!

To gain the most benefit from these readings, allow time for thinking on each verse, prayerfully asking yourself these questions, making notes on your reflections…..

Do I believe this? If not, Mark 9:23-24, Hebrews 11:6

Am I willing to act on this? If not, Romans 12:1

Am I acting on this? If not, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:13

TRUSTING DURING TRIALS

In our common-place daily experiences, and in the large sudden trials, it is our trust in God’s Word and character that will diminish, halt, or soar! Trials come in many forms including injustice, persecution, false accusation, financial pressure, ill health, relationships, sudden unwanted changes, disappointments, the pressure to succeed, concerns for the future, and waiting a long time to see the outcome of answered prayer. There are two ways to go in such trials. One is to trust God and obey His Words regarding the matter, and the other is to be led by negative emotions and to take matters into our own hands.

1) It is the one who has built upon The Rock who is able to stand when the winds blow, and this secure position is meant for all of God’s children. Whatever the situation, doubt, fear or temptation, God never changes, and His grace is sufficient, and nothing can separate us from His love. When our confidence is being shaken, the following verses are a reminder of The One Whom we are to base our security on.

a) Numbers 23:19, Proverbs 30:5, Jeremiah 32:7

b) Psalm 84:11-12, Philippians 4:19

c) Nahum 1:7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 2:18

d) 2 Corinthians 9:8

2) The Lord Jesus said that apart from Him we could do nothing (John 15:5) but WITH Him the victory is won (2 Corinthians 2:14). He is with us to help us when we are treading on ground scattered by snares of doubt, fear, anxiousness or weariness in waiting. What ever the temptation is, The Lord has gone before and has made a clear path for you to walk on with confidence in Him.

a) Colossians 1:12-14, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, James 4:7, Hebrew 2:18

3) When trust is lacking, it causes injury to both parties, but when it is activated, the bond is strengthened and progress is made. It is no wonder that the devil works hard to attack this bond, and The Lord Himself is jealous to promote it! Here are some examples of the one who trusts in The Lord in the midst of extreme circumstances.

a) Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 91, Psalm 46, Habakkuk 3:17-19, Job 13:15

4) Learning to see the invisible hand of God in the midst of your trials and testing’s will encourage and strengthen your heart and resolve. Learning to trust in God’s wisdom, and His ability to deliver, lead and provide are the lessons that all of God’s children are enrolled in. When believed and leaned on, the following promises will keep our eyes on Jesus rather than on the storm.

a) Deuteronomy 31:8, Hebrews 13:5-6, Matthew 28:20

b) Isaiah 43:1-2, Isaiah 41:10, 13, Jeremiah 29:11-13

5) When confidence is fixed, what specific blessings are made manifest? Consider how these manifestations are a witness to onlookers.

a) Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 112:7, John 14:27

b) Isaiah 40:31

6) In times of testing, it’s not uncommon for negative emotions to flood in and take the place of God’s gift of supernatural peace. However, by the grace of God, these natural responses can be overcome by The Spirit, by using The Sword of the Living Word, and by our own testimony.

a) HEAR O MY SOUL: Psalm 13:6, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 31:7, Psalm 116:7, Psalm 25:15, Psalm 91:2, Psalm 104:33-34, Psalm 118:24, Psalm 121, Isaiah 61:10, Habakkuk 3:18, Psalm 103.

b) DECLARATIONS: Psalm 3:3, Psalm 54:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 60:12, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 23, Psalm 16:5

c) PRAISES TO GOD: Psalm 31:19-20, Psalm 36:5-10, Psalm 40:5, Psalm 63:3-7, Psalm 86:15

d) OUR STANDING: Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:3-4, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1-2

7) When light is present, darkness flees. When trust in God is activated, doubt, anxiousness and fear must also flee. Don’t be passive regarding trust. Make a decision now to secure your confidence, then you wont be tossed up and carried away with events or disappointments when they suddenly occur.

a) I Kings 18:21, James 1:8, Amos 3:3

b) 1 Peter 5:8, James 5:7

c) Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 12:2

Taken from Life On The Altar Publications
Issue 4 Spring 2022