I have a dear friend that is going through a really difficult season in his life. Yet in the midst of his trials, he is firmly keeping his eyes on the Lord, and trusting Jesus to deliver him from the fire. As he and I have talked and as I have prayed for him, I have landed on several verses that should become life verses for both of us.
I start with Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.” It helps to keep the perspective that every trial is part of the refining and sanctification we all need to go through. As long as we keep in mind that God is in control and nothing is happening that has not first gone through His loving hands, we have a foundation for trust.
We then move on to Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Knowing God is in control we can trust Him and open our eyes to what He has for us. It brings a peace that we are in His will and under His protection, which brings us to a place of gratitude.
This brings us to I Thessalonians 5:18; “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I know it seems counter-intuitive to give thanks in the midst of trials, but that is what the Lord wants us to do. To rest in Him, to trust His hand, and to give thanks for His love toward us.
We need to be confident that He is with us, which brings us to Joshua 1:9; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.” He is right there, and when the darkness starts to close in all we have to do is call upon Him. Our constant hope and promise is at hand, and we can have peace and see things in a broader context and with a long term view.
In Psalm 23:6 David says; “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This verse reminds us this is only a season. Our lives on earth are a vapor, but we have an eternity that we will be with our Lord. Our God, who loves us, will direct us and take care of us, and will provide all that we need.
In Philippians 4:19 Paul reminds us that; “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God will make sure we come through this trial and be better for the experience if we keep our eyes on Him.
Lastly, I go to Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” My prayer for my friend is that the joy will come soon, and that is my prayer for all of you that are going through trials right now. Seek the Lord in all you do, trust Him, give thanks, cry out when you are weak, and look at the totality of your life. God will deliver you from your trial, and you will grow in your love and dependence on Him. What a good place to be and what a witness to the world around us.
John O'Hanian
I start with Romans 8:28; “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.” It helps to keep the perspective that every trial is part of the refining and sanctification we all need to go through. As long as we keep in mind that God is in control and nothing is happening that has not first gone through His loving hands, we have a foundation for trust.
We then move on to Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Knowing God is in control we can trust Him and open our eyes to what He has for us. It brings a peace that we are in His will and under His protection, which brings us to a place of gratitude.
This brings us to I Thessalonians 5:18; “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I know it seems counter-intuitive to give thanks in the midst of trials, but that is what the Lord wants us to do. To rest in Him, to trust His hand, and to give thanks for His love toward us.
We need to be confident that He is with us, which brings us to Joshua 1:9; “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.” He is right there, and when the darkness starts to close in all we have to do is call upon Him. Our constant hope and promise is at hand, and we can have peace and see things in a broader context and with a long term view.
In Psalm 23:6 David says; “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This verse reminds us this is only a season. Our lives on earth are a vapor, but we have an eternity that we will be with our Lord. Our God, who loves us, will direct us and take care of us, and will provide all that we need.
In Philippians 4:19 Paul reminds us that; “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God will make sure we come through this trial and be better for the experience if we keep our eyes on Him.
Lastly, I go to Psalm 30:5 “For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” My prayer for my friend is that the joy will come soon, and that is my prayer for all of you that are going through trials right now. Seek the Lord in all you do, trust Him, give thanks, cry out when you are weak, and look at the totality of your life. God will deliver you from your trial, and you will grow in your love and dependence on Him. What a good place to be and what a witness to the world around us.
John O'Hanian
RSS Feed