By Rhoda Collins

We can all learn to overcome the world; our circumstances and trials through Christ. Trials develop Godly character and strength and help us to move to another level in Christ, but we need to pass the test of perseverance faith.

“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12

I am going through trial right now regarding my skin and I believe God for a miracle healing. The doctor said: “you will always have it”. I refuse the doctor report I believe what Jesus said about me: “ I will heal you” and I believe the scripture that says: “By His stripes I am healed”. Isaiah 53:5

The more trials that you go through in life, which are conquered, the easier it is when the next trial comes, because you are more stable in perseverance faith. Jesus creates something strong in you that the devil cannot steal. But you need to pass the test.

James 1:2-3 says: “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]”.

It’s very easy to complain when we go through rough times in our lives, but we can choose to praise God, which is the opposite of what the devil wants you us do.

So how do we pass our tests? What are some temptations we can have when we’re going through something that’s really tough? Here are several common ones that I’ve discovered:

1. We can be tempted to go back to an old habit or addiction we’ve been set free from. If there are habits or addictions that have been broken in your life, the devil will try to tempt you to go back to them when you’re having a hard time. Submit yourself to God, humble yourself before Him, and He will give you the strength to resist the temptation. Also, you need to do spiritual warfare everyday and discipline yourself to quit feeding or tempting yourself with any bad habits.
2. We can be tempted to be angry with God, when we resent people who don’t have the same problems we have or who have things that we want, especially things we think would make our lives easier. This leads to coveting and complaining. God wants us to totally get over coveting and complaining because they affect our lives in a destructive way more than we realize. So, when you’re tempted to be angry with God or other people, set your mind to praise Him instead and thank Him for His goodness in your life. Also, start sowing seeds in people’s life by doing something good for them.
3. Trials can tempt us to become indignant and say things like, “Why is this happening to me? I don’t understand why this is happening to me?!” We don’t tend to think this way when other people have problems, and it’s easy to look at them and say, “You just need to trust God and press through this…” Instead of wondering why and feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to say, “Don’t panic…this is only a test!” Because the truth of the matter is, this too will pass, and we’ll get through it with more peace and stability if we’ll trust God to do what is best for us at the right time and in His way.
   “Whoever does not carry his own cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow after Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me] cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27
4. We can also be tempted to take matters into our own hands. Have you ever thought, “I’m not going to put up with this anymore! I’m going to do something about this!” When we take matters into our own hands, we delay or miss the blessing that God wants to give us. Instead, we need to be determined to trust God with a persevering faith by waiting on Him to give us the right answers, the appropriate direction or work things out in His timing.

God loves you so much and He has a great plan for your life. Trust that He’s in control and that he will work things out for your good when you’re going through a trial. The next time you’re being tested, tell God, “I trust You Lord. This is good for me! It doesn’t feel good, but I know You will work it out for my good.” You’ll get closer to God as you go through the test, and on the other side, you’ll thank Him for using it to make you more like Christ.

So, what is stopping you from not having a continual faith and persevere in your circumstances?

“And the Lord said, “If you have [confident, abiding] faith in God [even as small] as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree [which has very strong roots], ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea’; and [if the request was in agreement with the will of God] it would have obeyed you.” Luke 17:6

Self-discipline is a fruit of the Spirit that requires time to develop properly. Self-discipline is developed when we do the right thing consistently, over and over again for a long time.

It may include paying off debts, not over-spending, getting proper nutrition and exercise, changing the way you speak about yourself and others, and spending quality time with God and in His Word every day.

As you become disciplined in every area of your life, you will be better equipped to handle bigger responsibilities in the future.

God has amazing plans for your life! He wants you to fulfill your dreams and live a life of blessing, hope and promise.

I hope you’re encouraged today. You will get there—as long as you are willing to do your part and trust God to do His part. And the more you lean on and trust in Him through that process, the sooner you’ll be ready for whatever He has prepared for you.