Posted on March 26, 2023 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
THE JOURNEY
Trials
By Shelly Huston
Reflecting on my education, I remember I was a good student. I paid attention in class, took many notes, studied hard, and did my best to prepare for what was ahead. Tests were much dreaded; they almost always threw me for a loop.
One class comes to mind: Calculus for Business and Economics. It was required for my major at the time of my enrollment. To me, it was the dreaded beast from the sea. I’d enroll, endure and drop it the day of the deadline. The next semester, I’d follow the same pattern, enroll, endure, and withdraw.
In retrospect, life as a Jesus follower has a few similarities. There have been many tests, lessons, and trials. Sad to note, some of my lessons were excruciating. Not surprising, as many of us endure great hardship. You may be experiencing an actual test at this moment. A trial so monumental that you fear the very force of it could crush you. Don’t drop out; instead, endure. Fighting this good fight is often about perseverance, pressing on even when the road is quite difficult.
I’ve found Jesus in the trial. I’ve found him in the flood. I’ve seen him in the furnace. I’ve found my way home, time and time again. I’m here to tell you, you can too.
Here are some verses that have helped me endure. May they encourage you as well.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4: 8-9
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:4
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
Remember: God’s not afraid to alter this world, to align it with his plan. In times of old, when his people stepped out of relationship and obedience, we can see discernable patterns:
• Rebellion
• Indulgence
• Separation
• Hardship
• Repentance
• Forgiveness
• Healing
• Restoration
Do you have any discernable patterns? What trials have you endured? What victories is Jesus reminding you of? Is there a next step to bring you closer to healing and restoration?
It remains true today as in Noah’s day; the scoffers will come. You can find them at school when you stop to pray in the cafeteria. You may find them at work when you try to stand up for what is right. And often, you can find them seated next to you when they refuse the conviction of the Holy Spirit once again. Is there a sideline issue God is speaking to you about? Instead of intervening or taking a stand, you remain quietly seated. A not-so-innocent bystander instead of operating in obedience?
How has God intervened in the lives of your family? How has God changed your mind about something important? What trials has God brought you through, and what did you learn about yourself or him? Despite what people may think or say, God is active in the lives of his people. You might find him helping you adjust your mindset, values, and how you invest your energy. What would he like to do in you and through you?
We don’t know when this day of judgment will arrive, and we don’t know what it will look like. In these days of uncertainty, how can we be intentional about our relationship with Jesus? How can we draw so near to him that we are moving in unison with his life plan? Practice remembrance, naming what Jesus has done for you, where he has been near in a trial or delivered you answered prayer and blessings. As we recall where Jesus was in our past, we turn toward the hope of where he will be in our future.
As a parent, I encourage our daughter to be alert and aware of her surroundings. There are things to be mindful of, things to avoid, and things to engage fully. Spiritually, there are parallels. How might we live peaceful lives? What would it take for Jesus to find us blameless? What does it look like to share the grace and good news of Jesus with the people in our lives?
The biblical definition of standing means you remain firm and immovable, even when you are the last one standing. What area is God asking you to take a stand in? Who might be impacted by your steadfastness and secure footing if you do? Is God asking you to stand in the gap for someone struggling? How can you grow in the grace of Jesus and intercede while you stand alongside them? Fight for them, help them rise from the rubble, and find their way home.
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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