Part 4
We all have problems, difficulties, and challenges but I want you to know that when life gives you lemons, you can overcome them every single time.
(James 1:2-4 NKJV) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (AMP: fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.)
Friendly Reminders
- The trial did not come from God.
James 1:13 NKJV Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
- You are not the first or only person to face this trial.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT (13) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
- Don’t try and face it alone – isolation is a big mistake.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (9) Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
- Jesus has experienced what you are experiencing and will bring help to you.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (15) For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
What Do I Do?
- Prepare for the trial in advance.
When you are under pressure, you never rise to the occasion; you will always fall back to the level of your preparation.
A Navy Seal once said, “Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion. You sink to the level of your training.” One of the marks of high intensity training that the SEALS use, is constant repetition. Doing the same thing over and over until it does not require conscious mental activity to accomplish it. (Brushing your teeth, etc.)
1 Timothy 4:8 AMP For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.
When the heat comes, you will do what you have prepared to do.
It is what we do in the low stress period that gets us ready for the high stress time.
- Pray and thank God for the answer.
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Stand in faith on God’s Word.
Ephesians 6:13-14 NKJV Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
- Cast or roll your cares on the Lord.
1 Peter 5:6-7 AMPC Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, (7) Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
Cast – to throw with your arm
Psalms 37:5 NKJV Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.
Proverbs 16:3 NLT Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.
Commit – Hebrew: galal – to roll as you would a heavy stone or object
- Don’t quit!
Galatians 6:9 MSG So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.
1 Corinthians 9:24 CEV You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win!