Hi Guys, I was talking to a friend today who mentioned something I thought was interesting. He said “God never seems to exclude us from trials”.
So I thought what a timely subject to address today insight of this season we are in.
Without trials there would be no challenges, testing,opportunities, invitations or victories.
You may be saying well that’s okay life would be alot easier. But would it really be. As every thing that you’ve learnt,discovered, understood and overcome is been through a place of trial with obstacles or a challenge. The growth of our bodies, being able to walk, eating, speaking have all come with challenges that eventually lead us to grow and evolve . Do you think you would know about the Lord without trials ? or keep walking with Him in the absent of challenges you have faced?
Romans 5:3-6 (Passion Translation NT)
Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. 4 And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. 5 And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!
The Lord’s first words to Adam and Eve were a test or He would have simply only put one tree in the garden(Gen 3:1-2).
In Matt 3:17
the Lord Reveals His son to the world, says He loves him and is pleased with him, gives him the Holy Spirit. Then
sends him into the desert (a test) Matt 4:1.
So why does the Lord allow us to go through trials ?
I believe He knows we have the opportunity through them to grow in relationship with Him through wisdom and revelation with the Holy Spirit as Jesus did.
My question today is this, In this time of lockdown are we truly growing in relationship with Him in
wisdom and revelation with the Holy Spirit ?
If you are saying no. Here a couple of ideas that may help.
1. View the time in lockdown as a opportunity to grow. By placing an importance on things that will help you to do this. Like prayer, reading the word, listening to sermons, in worship or Praise.
2. Ask the Lord to point out areas in this time He wants you to grow in personally and spiritually.
3. Take time out of your bubble by yourself with him.
4. Ask the Lord to show what will be truly important in the season to come for you, your family, business or ministry.
5. Maybe ask the to search your heart and to reveal things you need to get rid of.
Father I ask today that you will show us all the importance you have placed on trials in our lives. That through them we will grasp the true understanding of your Love that we will grow to our full potential through our relationship with You. Amen
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors / Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
