SHOULD WE COUNT IT ALL JOY?
As a result of facing trials, tribulations, adversity, and various situations, some Christians will turn away from God.
Some lose part of their faith, while others lose ALL of their faith.
Unless you can fully understand why such a loving God will allow you to go through such conflicts and situations in your life, your faith can be shaken...EASILY. The loss of faith usually depends on the level of the "storm" in your life at that time. This may be a touchy subject for some in the Body of Christ, however, it's time to face facts. Christian or NOT, you WILL have some not so pleasant experiences before this life is over.
First, lets look at what these things are defined as: (from the Dictionary)
Trial:
*the state or position of a person or thing being tried or tested; probation.
*subjection to suffering or grievous experiences; a distressed or painful state: comfort in the hour of trial.
* an affliction or trouble
Tribulation:
*grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.
* an instance of this; an affliction, trouble, etc.
We sometimes find ourselves going through the above and then some:
Examples:
*Losing a job * Loss of finances * Loss of a loved one * Divorce * Harm to children * Depression *Illness * Feeling Lost * Feeling unwanted and/or unloved * In Need *
Just to name a few….
What does the BIBLE say?
1 Peter 4:12 (KJV)
12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Romans 5:3 (KJV)
3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
John 16:33 (KJV)
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.
Peter 5:10 (KJV)
10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
(COPIED AND PASTED)
WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?
"None of God’s children is exempt from trouble. There will be problems related to the best of things that He gives us. Even in marriage and family life problems is inevitable (1 Cor 7:28) In John 16:33 Jesus says: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The Bible mentions various reasons why the Lord allows trouble and trials to come into the lives of His children:
1. To test the Strength of our Faith:
The Lord allows trials and temptations in our lives to show us the strength or weakness of our faith. In 2 Chronicles 32:31 we are told of king Hezekiah that God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. Job, after experiencing unbelievable afflictions confessed to the Lord in Job 42:5&6 :”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
2. To teach us to Count our Blessings:
Humanly speaking our reason urges us to value the world and the things of the world. Our senses urge us to value comfort and enjoyment. However through trials and trouble our faith urges us to value all the spiritual things and blessings which the Lord has given us in abundance. Blessings like His Word, His daily provision, His faithful care and guidance and most important His great Salvation!
All the heroes of faith named in Hebrews chapter 11, rejected the world and worldly pleasures for the goodness of God’s gifts. They set us an example to follow by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Then why am I so discontented and unthankful ?
3. To reveal our Love for the Lord:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37&38) As a child of God nothing, but nothing, and nobody else should ever be dearer to us than the Lord Himself under all circumstances. See also Luke 14:26.
4. Trials are given to Humble us and keep us from Pride:
The greater our blessings the more Satan will tempt us to become proud and look on them as our own accomplishments and our rightful due, rather than the Lord’s grace and provision. Proverbs 8:13 says:
“ Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”
“…And be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Peter5:5) We often easily blame the devil for the opposition and resistance we get, but isn’t it perhaps God keeping us humble and on our knees? In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul testifies that “lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”
5. God allows trials and trouble to keep us from Dependence on Worldly things:
The more we accumulate material possessions, recognition, experience, knowledge, success and other kinds of worldly benefits, the more we are tempted to rely on them instead of relying on God. Moses had been brought up in Pharaoh’s house as a prince of Egypt and reached the top of Egyptian society and personal success. Then the Lord called him to lead His people out of Egypt and in Hebrews 11:24-26 the Bible tells us that Moses “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt…”
What is the real basis of my trust and the focus of my concern?
6. To enable us to Better Help Others in their trials:
The Lord Jesus Himself said to Peter: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31&32) The very example of the Lord in His humanity underlines this truth. “ For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15) Our sufferings are given us not only to strengthen us for greater usefulness but also to prepare us to strengthen others.
7. Testing of our Faith produces Endurance: (James 1:3)
Endurance is the product or consequence of patience. Patiently enduring trials while trusting in God develops endurance which is a permanent inner quality of strength which increases each time a trial is trustingly endured. Paul assures us anew in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “ God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The Lord will not allow me as His child to face anything that I cannot survive in His power and through His grace and provision!"
Should we count it all Joy?
Some lose part of their faith, while others lose ALL of their faith.
Unless you can fully understand why such a loving God will allow you to go through such conflicts and situations in your life, your faith can be shaken...EASILY. The loss of faith usually depends on the level of the "storm" in your life at that time. This may be a touchy subject for some in the Body of Christ, however, it's time to face facts. Christian or NOT, you WILL have some not so pleasant experiences before this life is over.
First, lets look at what these things are defined as: (from the Dictionary)
Trial:
*the state or position of a person or thing being tried or tested; probation.
*subjection to suffering or grievous experiences; a distressed or painful state: comfort in the hour of trial.
* an affliction or trouble
Tribulation:
*grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.
* an instance of this; an affliction, trouble, etc.
We sometimes find ourselves going through the above and then some:
Examples:
*Losing a job * Loss of finances * Loss of a loved one * Divorce * Harm to children * Depression *Illness * Feeling Lost * Feeling unwanted and/or unloved * In Need *
Just to name a few….
What does the BIBLE say?
1 Peter 4:12 (KJV)
12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
Romans 5:3 (KJV)
3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
John 16:33 (KJV)
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.
Peter 5:10 (KJV)
10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
(COPIED AND PASTED)
WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?
"None of God’s children is exempt from trouble. There will be problems related to the best of things that He gives us. Even in marriage and family life problems is inevitable (1 Cor 7:28) In John 16:33 Jesus says: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The Bible mentions various reasons why the Lord allows trouble and trials to come into the lives of His children:
1. To test the Strength of our Faith:
The Lord allows trials and temptations in our lives to show us the strength or weakness of our faith. In 2 Chronicles 32:31 we are told of king Hezekiah that God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. Job, after experiencing unbelievable afflictions confessed to the Lord in Job 42:5&6 :”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
2. To teach us to Count our Blessings:
Humanly speaking our reason urges us to value the world and the things of the world. Our senses urge us to value comfort and enjoyment. However through trials and trouble our faith urges us to value all the spiritual things and blessings which the Lord has given us in abundance. Blessings like His Word, His daily provision, His faithful care and guidance and most important His great Salvation!
All the heroes of faith named in Hebrews chapter 11, rejected the world and worldly pleasures for the goodness of God’s gifts. They set us an example to follow by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Then why am I so discontented and unthankful ?
3. To reveal our Love for the Lord:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37&38) As a child of God nothing, but nothing, and nobody else should ever be dearer to us than the Lord Himself under all circumstances. See also Luke 14:26.
4. Trials are given to Humble us and keep us from Pride:
The greater our blessings the more Satan will tempt us to become proud and look on them as our own accomplishments and our rightful due, rather than the Lord’s grace and provision. Proverbs 8:13 says:
“ Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”
“…And be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Peter5:5) We often easily blame the devil for the opposition and resistance we get, but isn’t it perhaps God keeping us humble and on our knees? In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul testifies that “lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”
5. God allows trials and trouble to keep us from Dependence on Worldly things:
The more we accumulate material possessions, recognition, experience, knowledge, success and other kinds of worldly benefits, the more we are tempted to rely on them instead of relying on God. Moses had been brought up in Pharaoh’s house as a prince of Egypt and reached the top of Egyptian society and personal success. Then the Lord called him to lead His people out of Egypt and in Hebrews 11:24-26 the Bible tells us that Moses “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt…”
What is the real basis of my trust and the focus of my concern?
6. To enable us to Better Help Others in their trials:
The Lord Jesus Himself said to Peter: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31&32) The very example of the Lord in His humanity underlines this truth. “ For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15) Our sufferings are given us not only to strengthen us for greater usefulness but also to prepare us to strengthen others.
7. Testing of our Faith produces Endurance: (James 1:3)
Endurance is the product or consequence of patience. Patiently enduring trials while trusting in God develops endurance which is a permanent inner quality of strength which increases each time a trial is trustingly endured. Paul assures us anew in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “ God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The Lord will not allow me as His child to face anything that I cannot survive in His power and through His grace and provision!"
Should we count it all Joy?
Comment
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Comment by T.L. Hawkins on May 18, 2009 at 10:12am
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Elder Williams ~ you said...."When we learn that it is not about us, even in the hard times, it is not about us, it's still and always will be about Jesus".
All I can say to that is AMEN! This is a TRUE statement WE all need to realize!
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Comment by Carolyn E on May 15, 2009 at 9:12pm
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I believe that this is something all saints of God learn how to do ( for them that truly trusts Him) to count it all joy because we know He has our back. I learnt it by having my car repossed, loosing my job and home but God showed me and kept me and brought me through. My apostle preached a sermon called "Hallejuah anyhow" no matter what the trial, trouble or tribulation you can say to God be all the glory, honour, and praise because IFyou keep the faith He will bring you out for the joy of the Lord is your strength; having joy in God and what He can do gives you strength. Nehemiah 8:10
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Comment by John on May 15, 2009 at 5:24pm
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I had to leave for a few but Amen and Amen you two! Got me shoutin up in here, up in here! LOL Nuthin like a little church you know.
Don't worry I'm not saying nothing about you getting your Olsteen on. LOL Even they can bring some truth mixed with lies. Come on now! My Sister and Brother as long as we as the body of Christ are there to support and help lift one another up in fellowship and edification as Brothers and Sisters in Christ then let the BPN be a witness and Praise Him, Praise Him.
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Let the CHURCH say....AMEN! LOL....seriously though. Sometimes we have storms in our lives and there are folks in our midst going through similiar situations. When we continue to let our light shine and NOT let the enemy steal our joy...keep praising him ANYHOW (Come on somebody)...they can say...It's not so bad. They may even ask how you are making it through or made it through.... giving us a chance to be a witness to the Goodness of the LORD! Amen?
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Amen!
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Well let's have church then!!!!
You hit on something Rev. Luckett~ Sometimes our endurance during the storm increases faith in those around us. Example: Let's say you are walking through wind and rain and there's someone who NEEDS to go to the store so they can prepare a meal, but they fear the storm. There they are looking out the window with doubt. Then...they see you...pushing (praising) your way through the storm. Suddenly, they get courage to go out and do what they know they should because of what they saw in/through you.
Sometimes...our storms are used to make "others" strong!
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So true Sister Tara, we weren't given the spirit of fear. Trust in Him and stay the course.
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Comment by Tara Robinson on May 15, 2009 at 1:38pm
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What I learned about trials is yes it comes to test and steal your faith but the result is an increase in your faith that God uses to get the glory out of the situation. No one likes to go through and everyone doesn't suffer the same way however I prayed and asked God to show me how to get through this with out going in a circle.
The holy spirit showed me that if I can trust God beyond what I see and don't fear and sing songs of praise and always speak to the problem as though you all ready have the victory then you win. All theses methods are a form of exercise that needs to be done with constancy to achieve the results expected. It may take years, months, weeks, days, But however long if you stay in the order of working it through by trusting God your result will be peace all the way through.
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Go ahead and close Brother Luckett. LOL
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Amen! I too had to learn from experience and the "hard way" as I always use to without understanding until He gave it to me. All Praise and Glory to God.
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