Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 ESV
https://bible.com/verse-of-the-day/rom.12.12/32926
When going through a test where our charachter and identity is on trial, if there is wounds, any part of us that is not rooted in Christ but the opinions of man, we will get shaken by fire.
The temptation in these charachter tests is to place the blame for our stress or not moving in the Spirit on others. Although it is not ok to be abused and to stay in abusive situations, Daddy God will even turn that around and use it to turn to Him though abuse is never His heart!
It’s in these tests that Daddy God like an ironsmith is refining us and even using uncomfortable situations to shape us, thresh and mold us into a vessel for Him!
“The ironsmith takes a cutting tool and works it over the coals. He fashions it with hammers and works it with his strong arm. He becomes hungry, and his strength fails; he drinks no water and is faint.”
Isaiah 44:12 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.44.12.ESV
This is where this verse comes into play, rejoice in Hope! Keep looking to Jesus who is our Hope! Be patient in tribulation- this is tough when God has a specific assignment for us and trials come- offenses, misunderstandings, sickness, fear and poverty- the temptation is to grumble and go into our pain.
Galatians 2:20 says “I have been crucified with Christ no longer I that live but Christ lives in me, the life I live, I live by the one who died and gave himself for me!”
That means I have a choice to rejoice! I do not have to believe the lies of the enemy or even recieve his arrows of pain or suffering! I believe there is a place of joy the Lord wants to bring us where even in the worst persecution – trial we can be filled with the Holy Spirit! The pain is lessened or even totally taken away as we look to Him and rejoice!
This place with God does not happen instantly but it is a process of maturing by faith, allowing Christ to be formed within us! My identiy can’t be in a man or my feelings, but has to be rooted and grounded in Christ.
We must not get discouaged and start fighting each other but we must realize that we are in a battle and Christ has already won! He has made us rich in Him! We must see from heaven’s perspective and believe. We must stand in the victory of the cross otherwise we will be decieved and lead astray.
Even when we are lead astray, Daddy God is so faithful to bring us back on track when we cry out with our whole hearts for Him.
Prayer:
“Forgive me Lord, for getting side tracked with unbelief and the flesh- I need You! Wash me and let me just be a container, vessel for your glory! I know in my flesh dwells no good thing.” Romans 7:18. Please forgive me for my hidden pride of self reliance I couldn’t see! I need you Holy Spirit!”