A Sustaining Force
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Insight
When we quit trusting God cares, provides for us, and loves us unconditionally, we quit obeying. And when we dig in our heels, we stop believing that God has a grander purpose for the struggles we face. We don't tend to drift due to theological reasons or holes in our belief system.
The crack in our connection with Christ happens because we violate our consciousness over and over. If we don't address our struggles, we finally get to the point where we say, "It doesn't even matter anymore." We don't believe or think our way away from God; we behave our way apart.
We often forsake the very thing (FAITH) that can sustain us through our struggles, difficulties, and adversity. The battle of belief centers on surrendering our power for His provision, our will for His ways, and our lives for His purposes.
We have to pay attention to where our thoughts wander and the lies we believe when in the thick of the wilderness. At the heart of every conflict, resides the question: Can God be trusted? If we fail to understand that God utilizes our struggles to develop perseverance and shape our character, we waste so much mental and emotional energy, wondering why we face hardships repeatedly.
We leave ourselves vulnerable to feeding into the lies the enemy wants us to believe. Some of us wonder if our struggles are punishment for not having enough faith. We reason that if we were a good Christian that we wouldn't struggle. The battle's validity isn't the main issue, but rather what our attitude is in the midst of the fight.
What we fill ourselves amid the adversity is critical to how we recover. We need to create space for recovery. By tending to our hearts, we learn how to respond differently when temptation rears its ugly head again. By strengthening our faith, we activate a sustaining source that we can rely on no matter what comes our way.
Reflection
Think of the issue you struggle with the most. What lies do you believe when you give in to this temptation? How does Scripture demolish those lies?
Prayer
God, may I display faith when I find myself in the wilderness. Help me to understand that You have a purpose for the circumstances I encounter. Allow me to quiet the lies of the enemy while tuning my ear to Your promises and truth. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
