Breakthrough Fast 2011 – Day 14 “Don’t Let Your Trials Hold You Down”

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, (James 1:2-4)

We are living in challenging times. Job creation is anemic. Money is tight. Our cities and states are bankrupt. Racial and political tensions are simmering to the boiling point. Natural disasters are a daily occurrence. Our family lives are on edge from being over-programmed and over-stressed. Our schools are starting to look more like detention centers than environments for greater learning. And the citizens of the world are at war with each other and with themselves.

But despite it all, as believers we must remember we still have faith. My father-in-law taught me that faith means “Forsaking All I Trust Him”. Beloved, that is what you have to do in times like these. You have to trust God. Regardless of your present circumstances, God has a plan for you to prosper. And I don’t mean trust God out of emotion or because it sounds good. James, the half-brother of Jesus, said “consider it pure joy.” In other words, you know how God sustained you when others had written you off. You know that despite the attacks of your enemies, “You are still standing. You are still strong.” You know how God healed your body from sickness. You know that Jesus loves you for the bible tells you so. You don’t need anyone to tell you how good God is, you know it for yourself. That is why you are fasting and praising God. You know that your life is a living testimony to the goodness of God.

That's why despite the challenges that you are facing, don’t let your trials hold you down. For James speaks of two kinds of trails in this passage: (1) test from the outside, like jealousy, negative attitudes or meanness; and (2) test from the inside, like fear, doubt, temptations and addictions. James admits, and you know it for yourself, that life is full of trials. But the good news I bring, is that we serve a savior that specializes in overcoming trials...and his names is Jesus Christ. For 40 days, the Adversary tested him; but through faith, prayer and perseverance he overcame his trials and defeated the Adversary. If you and I don’t grow weary, if we are faithful, if we remember the goodness of God, if we develop perseverance in challenging times, we too can overcome our trials and WE TOO CAN WIN!

14 Days of Fasting and Still Going Strong,
Rev. CAM

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