PERSEVERANCE AND CONVICTION IN THE TIME OF TRIALS

[Albert Finch]

"(Abraham) contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, 'So shall your descendants be.'" Romans 4:18

The enemy has launched a new version of an old "terrorist attack" on the Body of Christ in recent time, which contains a spirit of hopelessness for the future. This attack is to try and cause us to believe we don't even have a future (DESTINY). Well, the enemy is a liar. Contrary to whatever the enemy is trying to show you to hope for, believe in the God of all hope, for He is on your side! Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows the plans He has for us, to give us hope and a future!

If you are going through a crisis in your life, don't give up or give in to a spirit of depression or hopelessness. Do like Abraham did -- When circumstances were CONTRARY to hope -- just BELIEVE!

The Lord is into miracles. Jesus ruined every funeral He came across! So even if you have received a "death sentence" of some sort, know that your hope is in the Lord--the God of all hope!
"Now may the God of hope FILL you with all JOY and PEACE in BELIEVING, that you may abound in HOPE, by the power of the Holy Spirit!" (Romans 15:13)

DON'T LET THE ENEMY MAKE YOU LEAVE YOUR POST

Because we "go through things" does not mean that we are in some sort of sin or a backslidden condition. The Bible says, "It rains on the just and the unjust." Even if what you are going through is a situation that is "your own fault," God's heart for you in it is--refinement and restoration. Don't allow yourself or others to flood you with condemnation.  Conviction, yes, that is the work of the Holy Spirit. Condemnation is the work of the enemy, who is a liar and the father of lies.

If you are walking through a time of false accusation, don't let the enemy make you leave your post! Stand strong!
"If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post; for conciliation (to win over; make compatible; reconcile) pacifies great offenses" (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name." Revelation 3:10-12

As our faith is tested and proven, our spiritual muscles are exercised and grow stronger.

GOD IS IN OUR LION'S DEN

Sometimes when we go through things, we think we are "singled out" or "unloved" by God. The truth is, everyone goes through things. Some people are just more vocal about it than others! But, nonetheless, we all experience trials.

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you." 1 Peter 4:12-14

God never said He would remove us from trials. Rather, that He would be there in the midst of them WITH us--in our lions' den or in our fiery furnace.

CONFESS AND MEDITATE ON THE PROMISES OF GOD IN SCRIPTURE

Don't let your mind run amuck! Remember, Jesus shed His Blood to rescue you--whether from sin, sickness, disease, or the attacks of the enemy!
Colossians 1:21 says, "And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled..."

"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise..." Hebrews 10:35-38

Have you received hostility from others? Jesus did (see Hebrews 12:1-4).

Do you have to "wait? "By your patience possess your souls" (Luke 21:19).
James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Have you suffered loss?
"...I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ." (Philippians 3:8)

Know that NOTHING can separate you from the love of God! (See Romans 8:38-39 and 2 Timothy 1:12.)

Let it be said of us, as it was said of Abraham, "He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform." (Romans 4:20-21)

CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK

The enemy wants to steal our dreams, our faith and our lives! But, do not give place to His evil words. Determine now to repent for believing His lies. Repentance does not mean that it is needed because God is upset, mad or angry because of our doubt and unbelief -- to repent means to simply change the way we think (about God and even ourselves).
Therefore, if you have believed opposite of what God says about you, CHANGE the way you think about yourself. Also, if you have believed opposite of all God declares concerning His love, provision, protection, etc., simply CHANGE the way you think about Him. This will empower you with great faith and hope for your future.

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