How can we strengthen our faith in anticipation of inevitable trials? Seeing Trials Coming—Why Preparation Matters “In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would suffer persecution, and as you know, it has come to pass.” (1 Thessalonians 3:4) • Paul didn’t hide the hard news; he repeated it so believers wouldn’t be surprised. • Jesus did the same: “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) • Knowing trouble is inevitable frees us to focus on readiness instead of shock. Rooting Ourselves in Scripture • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • Daily reading stores truth that the Spirit can bring to mind when pressure mounts. • Key promises to memorize: – Psalm 46:1: God is “a very present help in trouble.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation is beyond escape through His faithfulness. • Like the psalmist, we can say, “If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.” (Psalm 119:92) Training with the Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-18 lays out spiritual armor; each piece is fastened before the battle, not during it. • Belt of truth—settle convictions now. • Breastplate of righteousness—practice obedience so sin’s cracks don’t invite attack. • Shoes of peace—walk out reconciliation with God and people. • Shield of faith—exercise trust in small matters to handle flaming arrows later. • Helmet of salvation—meditate on secure identity in Christ. • Sword of the Spirit—learn to wield specific Scriptures against specific lies. Drawing Strength from Fellowship • Hebrews 10:23-25 urges us to “spur one another on” and to keep meeting together. • Authentic community provides accountability, shared wisdom, and intercession. • Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica “to strengthen and encourage you in your faith” (1 Thessalonians 3:2); we need modern-day Timothys and to be one for others. Praying Before the Crisis Hits • Philippians 4:6-7 ties prayer to supernatural peace—an advance deposit before storms. • Jesus in Gethsemane modeled honest, persevering prayer that prepared Him for the cross. • Keep a gratitude list; thanksgiving recalibrates focus from fear to God’s faithfulness. Choosing Joy as a Discipline • “Consider it pure joy… when you encounter trials.” (James 1:2-4) • Joy is not denial; it is confidence that God is using hardship to mature us. • Romans 5:3-5 traces the chain: suffering → perseverance → character → hope. • Rehearse past deliverances to fuel present rejoicing. Serving While Waiting • Obedience deepens roots. After warning of persecution, Paul urges productive living (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12). • Small acts of service train the heart to look outward, countering self-pity when trials arrive. Keeping an Eternal Lens • “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) • 1 Peter 1:6-7 likens tested faith to refined gold—valuable now and praiseworthy forever. • A clear view of the finish line steadies weary runners. Putting It All Together Strengthened faith grows from deliberate habits: saturating the mind with Scripture, putting on spiritual armor, cultivating prayer and fellowship, practicing joy, serving faithfully, and fixing eyes on eternity. Prepare today, and tomorrow’s trials will find you anchored, not adrift. |
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