I am convinced that the primary reason for tests and trials in our lives is to bring us to the place that we trust God completely. To trust God is to operate in faith. To operate in faith is to believe what God says regardless of what we see.
So, what do we see? If we are focused on God’s Word, we see things from God’s perspective. We see the end from the beginning rather than where we are and what is going on in the present. We see the desired result.
On the other hand, if we are focused on the situation or the problem, we cannot see from God’s perspective. This will cause us to operate in doubt, fear and unbelief. How do we stay focused on God’s Word in the midst of trials and tribulation?
Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing the word of God. Isaiah 55:11 tells us that God’s Word goes out of his mouth and does not return to him empty. It accomplishes all that he sends it to do.
We must continually put the Word of God in our minds and in our hearts. The more we do, the more we will hear it. There are two kinds of hearing. There is intellectual hearing and spiritual hearing. We can hear the Word intellectually but until it gets in our spirits and becomes a part of us, it will not produce what it is intended to produce. Faith comes by hearing and hearing and hearing.
Faith is like the manna that fed Israel for forty years in the wilderness. The day’s supply was good only for that day, except on Friday when it would keep through the Sabbath. Yesterday’s dose of faith is not enough for today. We must continually feed on his Word in order to demonstrate it in our lives and in the lives of others.
Another very necessary element that will keep us focused on God is having an intimate relationship with him. It is impossible to have an intimate relationship with someone and not be focused on that person. The more intimate we become with God, the more our focus is on him rather than on the circumstances we find ourselves in. This is how Paul and Silas could sing praises to God after being beaten and thrown into the most secure part of the prison (Acts 16:25).
To trust God completely is to experience perfect peace. It is truly the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Perfect peace is not affected by circumstances or pain. There is no strife in perfect peace. There is no fear or torment in perfect peace. We can have perfect peace anytime, anywhere, if our minds are on him.
Where is your focus?
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
Post published in: News