Have you ever wondered why life seems so complicated? Trials, testings and even temptations all coming your way? You might have even said, “How is this possible now that I am a Christian?” Believe me I’ve been there!

JAMES 1:2-4 AMP

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.  Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].  And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

GALATIANS 5:22-25 AMP                                                                            

But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.  If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]

Trials and testings are the very things that God uses to bring growth and development into our lives.  You might ask, “If God loves me then why is He letting all this happen? But just think for a moment; if everything was smooth sailing in our life would we look to God more?  Most of us would go on our merry way living life however we chose yet our spiritual growth would be stunted.  When God said I will make you a new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17 the work just started.                                    

1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 AMP

No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].

MATTHEW 4:1 TLB

Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, to be tempted there by Satan.

HEBREWS 4:15-16 AMP                                                                                                                    

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.  Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

Jesus himself chose to experience what we feel and is able to show us great compassion!

●     Are you losing heart about things you have been waiting for?

●     Is your faith being stretched?

●     Are you getting tired in the battle?

●     Are you being tempted to do things your own way?

Let me encourage you! No matter what you are going through, know that there is a greater purpose and God is there to give you the strength you need! God’s plan for you is to receive a great reward! Know that you are not alone, forgotten or abandoned! YOU ARE LOVED!!