To walk in the Spirit means to obey the initial promptings of the Holy Spirit!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (1 Peter 1:3-6)

How are we to respond to trying times in our lives, whatever they may be?

On Saturday evening August 4, I watched three consecutive, very inspiring, one hour TV shows on TBN. I already talked about two of those in three devotionals this week. Today, I’d like to share a wonderful message by Dr. Charles Stanley titled “Life’s Trials Explained.”

I highly recommend you visit today’s Link of the Day to read Dr. Stanley’s complete message outline and to listen to or watch all of his message. Even if you don’t have much time, it’s still effective to listen while doing other things at your computer. Here is a brief summary of Dr. Stanley’s outline:

In every person’s life there will be struggles, hard times and pain. While the purpose of these difficulties may not be immediately seen, God has a plan and purpose with every one.

We are promised that though we may have struggles and hardships in this life, we have an eternity free of all pain waiting for us.

What blurs our understanding of His purpose in our hardships?
Why does God allow bad things to happen to us?
What process is God using in our lives during our trials?

In times of trials and struggles, we have a choice to make. How will we respond to our hardships––by moping and whining or by saying, God, thank You that You love me enough to trust me with this situation? Remember: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many trials in our lives. Thank You our pain that draws us closer to You. Thank You for always giving progressive warnings to allow us to correct the courses of our lives when we go astray. No matter what happens, may we choose to trust in You. Jesus, thank You for being my all-in-all. Amen.

Links of the Day
Life’s Trials Explained by Dr. Stanley – including sermon outline and link to audio and video message
[http://ww2.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.3074979/k.FB9/Lifes_Trials_Explained__Sermon_Outline.htm]

Blessings to walk in the Spirit, trusting in God!