— From the distaff side —

Where are you looking?

Jesus foretold that, In the world ye shall have tribulation: "but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" — Jn 16:33b.  Never have His words been more applicable than now with rampant worldwide terror, spiritual darkness and death.  Let me ask you; amidst the turmoil, which of us have not had a down-and-out wrestling match with the devil’s fear-tactics and temptations?  Who’s not, at least momentarily, questioned God’s sovereignty, power or love for us?

I’ve come to realize that, in any situation, where or to whom I look and place my trust will influence my reaction and likely, the outcome.  The choice is mine.  So, the question becomes; when going through a hard time, will I look to circumstances, other people, to myself — or to the Lord Jesus?  Will I believe Him and respond to problems by faith in His victory?  I’ve made many a wrong “faith choice” over the years but am gradually becoming more consistent in letting Him be the “author and finisher” of my faith (Heb 12:2).  He’s my indwelling Overcomer and His views are gradually becoming mine.  I’m learning that tough times are also opportunities to grow in Jesus’ likeness and to transcend those thoughts of being a helpless victim of circumstance.  Moreover, I no longer believe that the absence of problems in life is the best of God’s blessings; consider Job, Paul ... Jesus Himself.

It’s a blessing to enter, then victoriously exit a trial, having trusted God and to have experienced the overcoming power of His indwelling Spirit.  This allows us to personally witness His love, strength and promised victory (1Co 15:57; 1Jo 5:4,5).  Life’s hard places also provide opportunity to grow in faith; to become more conformed to Christ’s likeness and to bask in the joy of His intimacy.  Faith also has profound eternal rewards ... "Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls: (vs 9).  Eclipsing those, our faith glorifies God.  The Apostle Peter prays that our faith, "... might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" — 1Pet 1:7b.

Trials and adversity are often accompanied by great pain, anguish, sorrow, loss and/or indescribable suffering.  However, from an eternal view, they are truly blessings in disguise (Ja 1:2-4; Cor 12:9,10; 2Pet 1:3-8).  We can be of good cheer and boldly claim, "The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hind’s feet, and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror, but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering or responsibility) — Habakuk 3:19 Amp).  We overcome all in Him.  Wow!  — D.

ABOUT US:  Founded in 1993, Hallelujah Living Ministries is a donation-based, non-denominational Christian outreach to uplift, inform and challenge followers of Jesus Christ.  For more information or a copy of our always-free print newsletter, please include a  postal mail address along with your comments and prayer requests. Thank you for visiting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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