TRIALS WITHIN

The mind can sometimes be just as much a source of problems as any outside threat. We are all the composite of our existence. That includes the thoughts, desires, memories and all the other elements that float around in our brain. It doesn't mean we can control them, merely that they do affect us.

God is aware of this as is the devil. The Lord can inspire, test, direct and otherwise influence us for our own good and to serve his purposes. Whereas the devil will do what he can to erode our faith, discourage and basically keep us from our destiny.

None of that is new. It is the reality most people know from the spiritual battles of life. Still, no matter how long one lives it is easy to confuse when our own mind is working against us and when Satan is parking one of his bunch on our shoulders.

What amazes me is the number of Christians who either discount or ignore such realities. They never see beyond the practical. If something happens they only apply a rational view to the subject, never any appreciation for how what is the trail within might have another source.

This is no formula for such situations. It is a matter first of all of listening to God's spirit. One can not truly understand light or its source without spiritual eyes that come from the Lord. And the Lord spirit only is active in the life of those who are truly trusting in God and his word.

So if a person doesn't start from that premise how can they truly expect to understand or appreciate the depths of turmoil that swirl with energy beyond our power? The simple answer is they can't.

It is sad to see how many of those who study the bible and go to church, but have no capacity for awareness of when a trial is something more than just an ordinary consequence of life. And what is equally sad is when the same people presume that if something happens to them it is always Satan's doing. They would never assume that perhaps God is using a situation in order to get their attention.

I can't think of the times I've witness such moments in the lives of others and also been guilty of it myself. That is not a source of shame or pride, but hopefully one of learning. I pray I will never reach a point that I lose the capacity to accept I have things yet to learn.

To be able to truly cope with the trials within requires a type of honesty that lifts one from the pit of excuses. God washes off our stains of denial and lets us see the garment underneath isn't as bad as we fear or as good either. In the end it requires his help to truly be durable.

Sometimes the best way to wear any garment of soul and thought is to let the Lord tailor it to fit our lives. Hopefully, we will not complain about the stitching he uses along the way.