TRUST GOD, NOT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES
 
                                                                                                                                                                By W. G. Guy

          I write this because currently members of my family are going through extreme trials and tribulations.  At such times we must look beyond our situations and unto our only and true source of help.

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

          Jesus told us that in this world we would face untold trials and tribulations that will afflict us and attack our faith.  However, we are also told to be of ‘good cheer”, rejoicing evermore, because He has overcome all such things of this world: and because of His love, He promised to be with us and lead us through all such trials and tribulations; He did not say we would avoid them.

Matthew 28:20 – teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

       We are teach others to trust God.  Most of our problems are orchestrated by Satan whose goal is to destroy mankind; especially those who have faith in Him and His Word.

John 10:10 –  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 

          Paul describes the kinds of trials and tribulations that we could face:  he knows because he personally faced them, including imprisonment and beatings.

Romans 8:33-39 –Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

          Nothing in this world, or even out of this world, can separate us from the Love of God given to us in Jesus Christ.  We may experience trials and tribulations in this life, but His love remains with us and carries us through it all.

Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

          We need to understand that God has not promised to prevent such problems that most us experience; but He has promised to be with us directing our pathway through.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him,and he shall direct thy paths.

          Yes, there are many things that we may experience; nevertheless, as we put our trust in His love, and His Word.   He will put us at peace in the turmoil and turn things around for good, although we may not see it at the time. 

Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

          This requires real trust; all to His glory as we ultimately benefit from His great love.

Romans 8:31-32 – What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

          Admittedly there are times of great struggle with situations that we face and do not understand.  Hold fast to faith in him and His promises:  it will all work out for good in the end, even though we cannot see how.

Hebrews 13:5-6 – …..for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

         The following are two quotes from Smith Wigglesworth’s Devotional for August 14th found on page 347:  OUR TRUST MUST BE IN GOD – “The only place to rest where you are trusting fully in God”.  “He has promised to be with us at all times, to make the path straight, and to make a way through all the mountains.”

        Focusing on the trials and tribulations creates doubt and results in anxiety, worry and fear. 

Philippians 4:6-7 –  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

          We are exhorted to not do such but place our situations and circumstances in His hands because He cares for us.

1 Peter 5:7 – casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

        Therefore, TRUST GOD, keep your focus on Him and His Word, and not on your trials, situations or circumstances.

Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.