Christian Challenges

Peace During Times Of Trial

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1

Christians like all other people, go through times of trouble, strife, perplexities, and difficulties. Yet during these times we can through God, have an inner peace that sustains us. To get this inner peace we need to do four things.

Don't Worry!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7.

We are to trust in God for His Word not only contains instructions for us to follow, but promises for us to trust in. God's Word is true from the beginning, and His exceeding great and precious promises are sure (Psa. 119:160; 1 Cor. 1:20; 2 Pet. 1:4).

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psa. 119:165.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isa. 26:3.

To have a relationship with someone you have to trust them. If you don't trust them you really don't have a relationship. This is true not only with relationships between humans, but between God and man also. David knew this to be true and that is why he could write the 23rd Psalm in which he said, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want . . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Psa. 23:1, 6.

Don't Stay In Fear.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." Psa. 46:1-3.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isa. 41:10.

"Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Matt. 6:27-29.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19.

What is to be gained by living in constant fear? Absolutely nothing! We are to be in a constant state of watchfulness, prayerfulness and readiness for our Lord's return which should also prepare us for any event that is to transpire before that event happens.

Be Assured Of The Goodness Of God.

"The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Ex. 34:6.

When trials and troubles come it can help if we think about God's goodness towards us over the years, instead of concentrating on the trials and troubles we are going through. We need to remember that these trials will pass, they will not last forever. Daily we should learn to count our blessings and thank God for all He has done for us.

We also need to remember that God's thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD." Isa. 55:8.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jer. 29:11.

"And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21.

Recognise That God Is In Control

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. 10:13.

Jesus Christ commanded demons, diseases, death, and nature to obey Him by casting out demons, healing the sick, raising the dead to life, calming the seas, etc., and they did according to His command because they knew He was God. He is the Creator and Sustainer of this earth.

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Col. 1:16, 17.

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psa. 55:22.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:6, 7.

"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isa. 65:24.

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psa. 46:10.

God had told us that "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Heb. 13:5.) No matter what trial we are going through, God is right there by our side. It matters not if it is war, pestilence, or the valley of the shadow death God is there to comfort and strengthen us. Don't tell God how big your trials and troubles are, tell your trials and troubles how big you God is! Trust Him. Believe His promises. He will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding and a comfort that only our heavenly Father can give.

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