Dear Friends,
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
The Lord has been speaking to me about “inner core strength.” Just as the athlete strengthens his core so his posture is stable, we are to strengthen our core in the spirit. Then when the trials come, our core, our spirit man, will stand firm upon the rock of Jesus Christ and not be moved!! The whole world is shaking and moving right now. It may continue this way for quite some time. We must stand firm and steady lest the winds of adversity topple us over and gain victory in our lives!
Just as inner core strength for the athlete relates to posture, the same principle applies spiritually. The inner strength we develop in our relationship with God, will help our posture through trouble. Can we stand tall and strong through the storms of life? Can we hold fast to Jesus and let Him navigate the way through stormy seas? For if we blame Him for our trouble, then how can we ask His help? We live in a fallen world. God is not sending us trouble, sickness and disease. God is good all the time! God is our rescue and our fortress and our power for the hour no matter what the trouble! It could be as small as losing your keys or as great as a cancer report! He is our stronghold in times of trouble, (Ps. 9:9) and nothing can separate us from His love. (Ro. 8:39)
Develop your relationship with the Lord by prayer and word study. Go to a church preaching the word of God. Know how to respond when trials come, in alignment with His Kingdom. Pray, speak out the scriptures that pertain to your situation, and do not fear! Get quiet with the Lord and listen to His wisdom. He will direct your path. You may not have the “Why” question answered. But you will have the, “What should I do about this?” answered. With each trial comes spiritual muscle and increased faith. So the next time around, your faith and trust is increased. You saw God come through before and He will come through for you again!
I am reminded of my son who went through Army Basic Training after his junior year in high school. I remember his commenting that after such an exercise, what people find to get worked up about, is really nothing. He had already gone through tough training and he is stronger and prepared in case of an emergency. Our trials and tribulations will strengthen us, increasing our faith and stability!
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Blessings, Diane