Encouragement

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We've all been there, haven't we? We've all been in a valley, walking through it, with evil on all sides. Adversity, persecution, affliction.....these are not exempt from the children of God. Many Christians have overcome and many have succumbed. Many Christians are victors and many are victims.

So, what is the key to crossing the mountain of adversity and receiving the manifestations of what we have asked of the Lord?

Consistence. Consistence and perseverence. Keeping our eyes and hearts and minds on the truth, without changing our minds.....

I am guilty of wavering on many occasions in my walk with the Lord. Circumstances have arisen and it has been difficult beyond difficult to not let the circumstances almost consume me. Hey, I'm human just like you. This soul and body were not saved and so it has been a process of sanctification, walking out my salvation day by day. There have been many times in my life that I have said, "Yes, but, what if?" to God. Yes, God, I know the Word says that You deliver us from all of our afflictions, BUT.....why I am still suffering? Yes, God, I know that you said that when I sow I will reap, BUT.....where is the harvest? Yes, God, I know that you said that I WAS healed, but what if I don't get well?

I believe that God understands our doubts. He does not condemn us... only satan condemns. After all, God realizes that we are living in this human flesh, with soulish thoughts. He is merciful towards us and when we fall, He is there to pick us up and dust off our knees and teach us His ways. But even though He is longsuffering and merciful with us, He still makes it clear that we are to be obedient if we want to receive the blessings that He promises in His Word...

James 1:

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;8he is a doubleminded man, unstable in all he does. 9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him

When Jesus is calling you to trust Him, as He did when He beckoned to Peter to step out of the boat and walk upon the water, are you saying to Him, "Yes, But.....What If?".

If you are speaking these words now or you have spoken these words in the past, repent today and ask the Lord to forgive you for not trusting Him. Start over again with your faith firmly established in The One who delivers us, and this time, be consistent and persevere, walking by faith and not by sight...

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