Week of October 7
Triumph Over Trials
Many Christians have the erroneous belief that if they just try hard enough to be “good,” then they can escape the trials of life. But the Bible teaches us something completely different: “A righteous man may have many troubles” (Psalm 34:19). However, we can find joy in the conclusion of this verse: “but the Lord delivers him from them all.” No matter what we face in life, God will be there with us. Only God can turn our worst tragedies into victories.
King David of the Old Testament faced more life-changing trials than many of us will know. His life was often at risk from enemies who sought to kill him. He paid great consequences for his moral and judgment errors. He was even betrayed by a rebellious son. Yet through his example, we see how David was able to use his suffering to bring glory to God.
Read Psalm 3. During the time David wrote this, he was in hiding from his own son, Absalom, who was plotting to dethrone his father (see 2 Samuel 15). David had experienced a bitter betrayal by his own son and by some of his closest friends. His life was on the line. His heart was broken. He was struggling in his spirit as to why this was happening. David cries out, “O Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!” (Psalm 3:1).
Have you ever been betrayed by people you loved and trusted? Sometimes the emotional and spiritual wounds made by another person can hurt far worse than any sword. One of Satan’s favorite tricks is to cause dissension in our families, in our relationships, and in our churches. When we maliciously speak against another person or stir up rebellion, we become an Absalom in the household of David.
But sometimes these personal attacks on us can be used for a greater good. If you are experiencing a trial right now, ask God to show you how He wants you to use it. Are you being disciplined for a sin in your life? Confess and repent of that sin today. Is your trial an opportunity to share your personal testimony? What may seem like a dark valley may be the open door to sharing about Christ’s grace and provision in your life.
The secret of David’s triumph was his trust in God: “But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill” (Psalm 3:3–4). There can be no triumph unless there is a trial. There can be no testimony unless there is a test. There can be no conquest unless there is a conflict. Many people want to be used mightily by God, yet they refuse to pay the cost. Are you willing to go through dark times so that God’s kingdom may grow?
Even in the midst of suffering, David knew that God already had won the battle. His confidence in God allowed him a peaceful sleep the night before the battle. He knew that by handing over his trial to God, God would provide the victory. “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side” (Psalm 3:5, 6).
The burden that you are carrying can be a blessing if you trust in God. He can turn your burden into victory. He can turn your trials into triumph. We can rest easy at night, knowing that our Father holds our tomorrow in His hands.
Is your trial keeping you up at night? Are you struggling with worry and anxiety? Confess your concerns and fears to God. Turn your burdens over to Him. He wants to help you overcome them. He wants to give you a great victory, but first you must put your trust in Him. When we try to face the battle on our own, we are likely to fail. But with God at the heart of our battle plan, we can succeed. Only when our trust is in God will we find peace and rest during troubled times.
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Counting Stars in an Empty Sky
When God calls you to do the impossible, do you trust Him to come through for you? This month for your gift of any amount, Leading The Way will send you a copy of Dr. Michael Youssef’s book, Counting Stars in an Empty Sky—an encouragement to trust God’s promises for your impossibilities. Request your copy today—and dare to believe God for the impossible. REQUEST NOW
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