Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid
It is way too hard to hold on in this perishing world by your own efforts. Anyone who is trying to do so will fail. All of our force and all of our strength comes only from our relationship with Christ who has promised to give us all that we need. It is for that reason that we can have hope knowing that our life is being worked out by divine hands!
Struggles and storms are filling the lives of everyone. No one is exempt from the dark skies that have filled this world. As time grows short, the enemy has stepped up his attacks and they are brutal. Even the strongest Christians are being tossed by the winds of trouble. There is no air, land or sea to go where the war for souls is not fiercely raging. The enemy is relentless. Yet, the truth remains that there is a place of peace to rest when we are weary from the battle. That is the hiding place of Jesus Christ and in his mighty promise.
I have never witnessed such evil and darkness as I do in this present time. Believers are experiencing testing of all kinds as they are proven to be true sons and daughters of the living God. Jesus left us a promise that needs to be understood. He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33) Your problems are ALL being worked out in the plan that he has set for you. Nothing you face comes as a surprise to him. You may not understand now why he is allowing you to suffer as you do, but you must continue to trust him despite what you feel. Every word in Scripture is utter truth and written for you to use as the power to stand against the attacks you face. When Jesus was tempted in the desert by Satan, he did not use physical force to defeat him. He could have turned him to ashes with just a look. Instead, he used the powerful, unfailing word of God for which Satan had no power over! Jesus wasn’t just proving his strength to the enemy, he was showing us that we also have that power to overcome all obstacles that stand in our way. As bad as it now appears, the light of Christ is still a consuming fire with power to overcome all obstacles of battle.
There are many people suffering oppressive financial problems all over this world. The forecast is bleak as homes are foreclosed and many have to do without the basic necessities to live. Marriages are collapsing like dominoes as the lie of the enemy fills homes and destroys families. Health issues are increasing as families must deal with loved ones who have serious or terminal illnesses. My heart breaks to watch so many fall into the trap of addictive substances and literally exist to get their next fix. Pornography is destroying many and making slaves to those who are caught in its deadly obsession. Not even Christians aren’t exempt from this trap.
In addition to all this, we are facing wars and threats of wars, earthquakes, severe weather conditions and pandemic diseases. Through it all we may wonder, is Christ still sovereign when bad things are happening to good people? Can we still trust God to get us through all of these problems? The answer is a resounding yes! We can still rely on God to help us no matter what is happening in this world. He will never let the faithful in him be destroyed!
Psalm 34:19 tells us, “ A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” God will not fail in his promises to us. All circumstances of our lives have been predestined to work out for our good. There are no conditions that Satan puts in our lives that have power enough to take from the promise that Jesus died to give us. It may be tough for you now, but these times will not last. When the purpose for which they were allowed has been fulfilled than God will raise you above the waters and take you up the mountain of victory. You can’t lose if you keep your trust in the One who paid the price for your redemption.
The point is not whether or not you can rely on Christ to take you through these turbulent times. The truth is that you must rely on him and trust him even when all of your hope is gone. Your trials in this life are merely the workings of your transformation into the image of Christ. If God can create the heavens and the earth with just a word, he surely can move the mountains that come against your marriage, finances, health and everything else that stand in the way of what God has promised for you!
Those who wait upon the LORD will never be disappointed. God’s promise says in Psalm 72:26, ” My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” You may be down but you are not out. God still has a plan for your life. It is my prayer that those who are struggling in a trial will know that God will make a way!
21 comments
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March 14, 2010 at 2:51 pm
cindyinsd
It seems like trials will be especially difficult for people who’ve been taught that as overcomers, we shouldn’t have to face trials, and if we do, it’s because of our lack of faith, some sin we’re trapped in, etc. Could be, but Jesus promises that storms will come. Thanks for the reminder–as long as we hold on to Him and remember that nothing can touch us without His allowing it, and His love toward us is perfect. No matter how horrible, it is working in us an eternal weight of glory. It isn’t worthy to compare with the glory of being with Him for eternity and knowing Him better every day.
Love you Sis,
Cindy
March 14, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Cindy, thanks for stopping by! I really agree with you that trials are more difficult for those who think that being in Christ means that you somehow escape all the trials! In many cases it may mean you have more trials as those who hated Christ will hate you also. The victory that believers live is in knowing that all that they endure is having eternal, divine ramifications both now and in heaven. Christ is doing a work in us and through us. He is careful to watch what storms we face and how long we are in them. It is all for a grand purpose that we will one day understand. Until then, we trust by faith!! That is how we show ourselves as belonging to Christ! And as you said, it is all worth its eternal weight in glory. Bless you, my sister!
March 15, 2010 at 8:02 pm
concernedx2
These are words to live by Marianne. A friend asked me just today if the problems that we face in life are the result of our walk with Christ. His wife was just recently discovered to have pancreatic cancer in its fourth stage. The church where I attend has several members with terminal cancer and even the pastors twenty three year old son has cancer. You probably heard about a terrible crash at the junction of I-75 and I-70 that claimed the lives of two young nurses. I joined the parents of the younger of those nurses together in marriage and dedicated her as an infant to the Lord. I can only remember her as a tiny little three year old with dark curly hair and big brown eyes. I could not hold back the tears and weep even now as I remember Sherri.
Our greatest hope is when we shall be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye to meet the Lord in the air with those that have already been changed. Some were changed in grinding crashes, in terrible falls, and others on deathbeds following lingering illnesses, but all were changed, and they all shall be with the Lord in the air…..that ain’t bad!
March 15, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Rev. York, I am always grateful that you show up with your wisdom!
What you just described is exactly what I wrote about!. All these trials and pain that everyone, including believers, are facing is extremely oppressive! We definitely are in the midnight hour of time and the devil is working overtime. But through it all, we have a hope and a future with promise as Christ paid the heavy price for our eternal and glorious life with him. Just thinking about that sometimes is the only way I can get through the day. It is not going to get better, that is for sure. But to thosewho are in Christ, our hope will get stronger as we get nearer to the time when we shall be changed in a moment! The king is coming!
March 15, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Larry Who
Whether we like it or not, trials are a part of our Christian journey. Why? Because trials built endurance within us and we need it to finish our walks. James went so far as to say “we should count it all joy when we encounter trials”…but to be honest, I’m still working through that one as I haven’t quite attained that level of joy yet.
March 16, 2010 at 10:06 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Larry! I am with you on the fact that trials are the winds that God allows to move us forward on our journey to him. And the “count it all joy” that James tells us we must have is obviously not a singing and laughing joy but a joy of hope within us knowing that through it all, God’s perfect will is being enacted in us for our good. From what I know of you, Larry, you have that understanding and I do see your faith despite your circumstance. By the way, I still keep you in my prayers!!
March 16, 2010 at 10:13 am
Larry Who
Thanks for your prayers Marrianne and likewise I pray for you and your husband and your calling.
March 16, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Marianne Lordi
Thank you, Larry. You are a true brother and friend. Wish I could say that all was well with me, but I could use your prayers!
March 16, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Charles Woodruff
Hey Marianne. Very good! Just what I needed! I had the mullygrubs today. I told you that you have a gift to write. God bless you, Charles
March 16, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Charles, I had to look up the definition of “mullygrubs” to make sure it wasn’t catchy!! But really, thank you for your encouragement and kind words. We all have a depressed spirit in the darkness that is filling this earth. That is why God put it on us to let the light of his truth shine to those who need it.
God bless you, Charles. As you know, I visit your site almost everyday!!!
March 17, 2010 at 11:39 am
Joe
Thank you as always for this encouraging word Marianne. Many of us look to the current administration for signs or indicators that the economy and job market is improving and put our faith in these reports, as if they will bring us real hope. I am fortunate to have a job at this moment, but most likely will be laid off in the next month or so. I’m sobered by the fact however that many are going through trials much heavier than a job loss. I’m thankful that my trust is in the One who sees the end from the beginning and is not surprised by any of this. As you said so well, “As bad as it now appears, the light of Christ is still a consuming fire with power to overcome all obstacles of battle.” Amen to that !
Thank you again for this word today Marianne…may you be blessed –
March 17, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Joe, thanks for stopping by. I am going to pray for your job situation. You will now be on my list each night! But you are right that if your trust is in the One who sees beginning to end, you will always have hope! And that Hope will never fail you! We are all struggling in one form or another. A lot of what I write comes from a heart that is in my own pain. I just thank God that I know the truth and that is that God’s perfect plan for my life, and yours, is set on an a powerful Rock, and it cannot be stopped. All that comes against us or all that we must endure will absolutely be used for our good and God’s glory. I like to tell believers everywhere to remember, WE CAN’T LOSE! Our victory has been paid by the cross of Christ. Even the enemy knows we can’t be taken down. So as bad as it gets for you, Joe, hang in there for your course has been set by the Author of life! You can only move up!
Thank you for your encouragement! It means a lot to me.
March 24, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Rachel
Love the verse you quoted Psalm 34:19 – it spoke to me that there are troubles but that is not where I’m to stay – and as you said – often they are to refine us though as Cindy said many trials today are afflictions from walking our own way instead of God’s.
This verse came to mind – Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.” I see many living without a true fear of God as I did for many many years. Sometimes you don’t realize you don’t have a true fear of God until you do and it comes from a intimate steady seeking of His face in His Word.
Afflictions or trials, whatever they are, serve the purpose to draw us closer to Him in truth and Spirit – may we draw near in such a way.
Rachel
March 24, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi Rachel, I read over what you said and something new came to me. Proverbs 19:23 is a good verse to memorize and I will. When we can trust God with all things, even the bad things, we will not be visited with evil. By that I mean that if we have a holy fear of God knowing that he is sovereign over all things, he will protect us from being destroyed by the plans of evil. In my own life, I know that I cannot make it by my own efforts. I need God’s strength to take me through everything! And in that way, I am drawing near to the One who can help me do all things!
Thanks for stopping by, Rachel. I always appreciate your messages.
September 21, 2010 at 12:28 pm
LG
Hi Marianne, I have gone through your blog, it has been an inspiration.
I have gone through blogs after blogs, website after website..looking for an answer to ‘How’ to let God fight the battle for you? I have come across loads on to let God fight battles, however, I am seeking an advise on the ‘How’ part. What do I do while waiting on Him?
I pray, fast- yet God is silent. I am tired and weary, I am very tempted to give up but I love God too much I cannot quit on Him. I need Him too much yet He seems silence!
September 21, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Marianne Lordi
Hi LG, I am so glad you stopped by here because I will keep you in prayer each night as I do the others. I know that it is so hard to wait on God. His timing and ours do not line up, but you must never give a thought to giving up. The enemy wants you to think that God does not care or that he will not show up in time. But those lies come from a defeated enemy who has been rendered powerless by the cross! The same God who has the hairs on your head numbered, who has ordained the number of your days and who formed you in the womb is more than willing to see you through your struggle.
While you are waiting on him, LG, God is doing things you can’t imagine. He has begun the process of giving you the victory. In Scripture, when Joseph was sold into slavery and then falsely accused and thrown in prison, his God did not abandon him!! While he waited those endless years in prison, God was transforming a young shepherd boy into royalty! Joseph had no idea what God was up to. He had to wait trusting. A scripture I just taught on yesterday is from 2 Corinthias 4:18 which says,
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”. That is a word for you, my friend.
If you can trust your God even when you can’t see the answer, feel the answer or hear the answer, you are being made into royalty for the kingdom of God. God will not fail you. That is his promise. He will see you through this battle. But…You must wait on his timing and his way to do it. You have to surrender your way of doing things to his. It is hard. I know you are weary but God is faithful. The enemy of your soul knows this; his job is just to get YOU to forget it. Don’t do it! Did you read my article, WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT? In all of my messages that God gives me, there is one point that I continually say and that you must believe: NEVER LET YOUR PROBLEMS BE BIGGER THAN YOUR GOD!
LG, hang in there by immersing yourself in Scripture. We are all going through a battle. I am also. This time, I have purposed in my heart that I will stand and not fall. I know the God I serve, ( 2 Tim.1:1-12) and I am not letting the enemy win when my God is greater.
Remember, when Peter was on the water, the strong winds and heavy waves did not take him under. His fear did! Don’t let the lies of Satan make you weary. Keep in the truth of Scripture. This world is tough for all of us but our God is getting us ready for him!
I will keep you in prayer every night. I know that God hears and he will never abandon you. Stay strong, my friend, for you are not alone! Please stop back and let me know how you are doing. I am always here for you!
April 3, 2013 at 11:44 pm
Frank
Hi Marianne,,,,,Its been awhile since I wrote you….though I’ve continued my visits to your site,as it give me so much inspiration….and as I seem to be living in constant trials with the Lord a shot of inspiration is great every so often. I still continue my prayer for you and your site, though this evening I came seeking prayer and for some reason could just never reach the bottom of the request page….oh well sometimes I find that just reading thru some of your writings and what other folks share can be like a prayer answered. LG….I too always seem to be waiting on God….but after I began to trust in Him the silence became easier to deal with each day and as time moves ever on I find that every so often while reading the word or praying that the Holy Spirit leads me to something God wants to share with me….and then He speaks to my heart….that’s how he did it when He wanted me to learn Obedience….and the more that I trust and put my faith in Him the more He reveals….though life seems to be a constant trial and test of faith it becomes easier to find joy in it because I know the Lord will deliver on His promises……but like Marianne said….never give up….Satan wants you to do exactly that LG….he will always be there trying to take your thoughts away from the Lord even though he knows he already lost the battle at the Cross he continues to distract if we let our guard down….so just strong….and may the Love and Peace of the Lord be with you always….Frank
April 4, 2013 at 12:50 am
Marianne Lordi
Hi Frank, I am so glad you stopped again. I missed hearing from you, dear brother. I know the prayer request page is long but keep scrolling and you will get to the bottom! All of those prayer requests mean something to me and I love an pray for all who asked for prayer. I know you are struggling, also, Frank. As you know, I am going through my own trials and pain. But just knowing that God is with us through every storm and he is working out his divine purpose and plan brings comfort. You are right saying that we must never give up or give in to the enemy. We are victors and every battle just makes us stronger for the next one. Our struggles serve to reveal more of the unfailing power of the God we serve if we can just hang in there and wait on him.
I am so glad that you are enduring all of your trials in the peace that Christ died to give you. You understand that he has a purpose in the wait and that he never forgets or fails to help at the exact right time. Stay strong, my brother. God has the plan for your life and he has called you a mighty warrior for his kingdom. He is working all things out for your life. You only need to wait and believe. God bless you, and please keep in touch.
December 17, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Anonymous
Amen, thank you for the reminder of the faithful promises of our savior Jesus Christ
December 17, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Marianne Bernard
Thank you, dear friend. I appreciate your stopping by and commenting. I know God had a message here for you. He has good things planned for those who belong to him. Don’t let yourself become discouraged when it takes longer than you expect to receive the greatness of his blessings. He sees you. He won’t fail you.
God bless you. I will be praying for you.
September 18, 2014 at 8:12 am
Sascha
Wow! I just stumbled on your site as I was searching about how to persevere during trials. I am a new Born again Christian since this year and while it has been an amazing experience, I have begun to struggle, or I guess i should say that I continue to struggle. I have backslided quite a few times and I have questioned God as to why these trials are happening to me and those that I love. I have come to realize that i may never get the why part but I know that there is a purpose. I get so discouraged at times to the point that I stop praising, fellowshipping and reading the word. Reading your site has allowed me to see that I am not alone and that I can always start over (I fear God may be upset with my current state). I continue to pray for the strength to carry on. Thanks again for taking the time to share your calling with the world and I will pray that God will continue to bless you through this journey.
Sascha