Thoughts on life's trials...

Some thoughts I had written down in the bible I was reading through last year...apparently after reading 1st Peter Chapter 5:

"We are going to go through trials while we live on an imperfect Earth. However, we must be aware that our response to trials indicates to God, ourselves, and others where we truly stand spiritually. A correct response to suffering will help us grow in our faith and anointing, and be a testimony to those in our lives. An incorrect response to suffering indicates to God we are not yet ready for the next thing he has for us. Our response to trials should be faith filled, hopeful, prayerful, steadfast, and strong. A positive Christ like response to trials and suffering will bring God glory & allow us to take the next step into the fullness of life God has for us on earth and in eternity."

Psalm 105:19 says in the New Living Translation "Until the time came to fulfill his word, the Lord tested Joseph." To think no tests or trials ever come from God or are in his will for us I don't believe is accurate, because the word of God clearly indicates otherwise. Maybe instead of constantly rebuking the devil that we have an issue, we should take a look at how God can use the issue we are going through to form a fashion us to further Kingdom purposes. The bible says "all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28. It didn't say that everything is always good, and if it's not it's the devil attacking us. To be a vessel of honor fit for the masters use we must be pure vessels. Fire is the only place that the dross is removed from silver but in the midst of the tests and trials we must remember that we are being refined if we will submit to the process and learn from the trial instead of worry about it. "The angel of the Lord encamps around all those who fear him, And delivers them" - Psalm 34:7. Meaning...for the purposes of this discussion, when we are going though an issue or a trial...we ought not trip or freak out. The Word says "I will keep them at perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me." Psalm 34 goes on to say "Oh! Taste and see the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in him! Oh! Fear the Lord all you saints! There is no want to those who fear him! Those who seek the lord shall no lack any good thing!............God is a good God! In the midst of trial there is always still blessing if you will not waver in your trust in him.......and you will come out of the fire a little bit more refined, and further developed for the Masters use and your ultimate purpose on Earth and for Eternity's gain.

PS. A very important note on this writing: I certainly do not believe that all trials come from God! I do NOT believe that sickness or poverty ever comes from God or is ever in his will for our lives! I do not believe that the trials we produce for ourselves are ever Gods will for our lives, and I do certainly believe Satan attacks us to steer us of the course God has intended. I believe specifically if the trial tests your character along the path to your purpose it very well may be a testing from the Lord. If the trial has been meant to destroy you, it has been sent by the Devil. I still believe however according to the Word of almighty God that ALL things work together for good for those who love him! As has been demonstrated time and time again in the lives of many mighty men and women of God. Respond to your trials rightly...!

Produce Fruit,

Chad