The Getting of Wisdom

When the road ahead gets difficult our own fears and ideas gain strength. Things like, "I must have done something bad to deserve this." Or, "God doesn't care about me," add to our stress and deepen the darkness.
Rather, what we need is a firm grasp on God's will. For example, James says, "... you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (1:4)."
Also, to be humble is to be blessed, and perseverance though trial will be rewarded (James.1:9-12.)

In other words, in trials, more than anything else, we need God's precious wisdom to govern our thoughts, attitudes and actions.Yet it is the very thing that alludes us.
Fortunately God is ready to give, if we are ready to receive.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, James 1:5-6
In trial pray for insight and the ability to accept God's work in your life. Pray with confident trust and readiness to keep walking in faith and doing what he wants you to do.
Keep praying till his word governs your thoughts and enables you to rejoice in what he is doing even though you may experience grief in trial for a short time.

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Phillipians 4:12-13

As we think about perservering through trials I think we can learn from Paul as he draws us to the point of being content - a sense of having peace - no matter what our situation is. As followers of Jesus that contentment can only truly come from a faith in our heavenly father  who knows what is best for us. We must find contentment in his promises - that he will never leave us of forsake us, that he will lead us through tough times, that he has give us an example to follow in His son Jesus christ, that he has promised that he will hear and answer our prayers and ultimately there is a promise of a future where there will be no mor pain, suffering or trials.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, let us strengthen our father as we battle through life in a broken world.

Let us not give up hope - but live in contentment that comes through the victory of Christ on the cross

God with us in our trials

"the Lord your God led you into desert these fourty years to humble you and test you" Duet 8:2

But did He leave them alone?  No he went with them! He fed them, he interveened supernaturally he strengthened them & God told them as they were going through this time "the Lord your God disciplines you"vs 5

Hebrews 12 reminds us that 'God disciplines those he loves'

Hebrews 12:7 - Says endure hardship as discipline..

The God who loves us is right there with us Leading, guiding, equiping and empowering us through the hard times that he has led us into.

In trials we also reminded of other promises of God...

Phillipians 4:13 " I can do all things through Him who gives me strength"

2 Corinthians 12:9 "My power is made perfect in weakness"
The fianl promise is one of the best,  "he who has stood the test will recieve a crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
There will be a time where pain and suffering will be no more - Let us cling the hope that God is with us - in the midst of our trials.
James 5:7 "be patient then until the Lord's coming."

Trials & God

"God...is the blessed controller of all things, the king over all kings and the master of all masters" 1 Tim 6:15
"Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? NO it is you, O Lord our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this." Jer 14:22
Remember how the Lord your God led you into the desert...to humble you and test you in order to know what is in your heart....he humbled you causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manner....to teach you that man does not live on bread alone" Deut 8:2-3

God is in control of all things - This is known as the sovereignty of God. Everything is controled by God.
How then do we handle the trials and hardship that come our way? The Bible is clear that at times God brings testing to his people - allowing them to suffer hardship and pain. Does this mean that God is not Good?  Certainly not - In God's soveriegnty he knows what is for the good of his people and the glory of his name. Though we don't (and can't) fully understand it from our perspective. We need to try and accept and trust that from God's perspective trials are for our growth.

Nearly all christians that I speak to testify how they have grown through times of trial and suffering. People testify to a richer, deeper truer relationship to God because of them. They testify to the love of God, his grace, his mercy his goodness - even after suffering what seem to be the most excrutiating of situations. So as we prepare for trials can we have a different perspective - Not one of dispair But rather one of hope and trust.

When I am afraid I will trust in you. In God whose Word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid..." Ps 56