17605555_lI’m not sure how things are going for you right now, but if you are going through a tough time right now, don’t be surprised. In this life, every day is not going to be rosy or a beautiful sun-shiny day. You have to come to that reality, if you haven’t already done so. Because sometimes God will allow things to happen in your life that will make you say, “What happened?” Or “What is going on?” Or “Where did this come from?" And even “Why Me?” In this post, I’m going to talk about when a tough trial enters your life and how to get through it.

For starters, you have to know that a trial is not a test. A test is something that can happen at any moment and is normally short-lived. But a trial lasts longer. Actually, the term itself means the act or process of trying, testing, or putting to the test, proof. The fact or state of being tried by suffering, hardship, the trying of one’s endurance. The words proving, suffering, endurance, and trust are four key words that you need to think on when you’re going through a trial.

God is proving your faith and trust in Him. He’s strengthening your personal endurance. Supernaturally training you for your calling. Burning off what’s not like Him. Refining your character. And He’s making you more Christ-like as go through your suffering (remember He suffered much to save us). Notice, Jesus didn’t focus on His pain through His suffering. Instead, He pressed through the trial of His life because He knew of the joy that awaited Him on the other side of it. Souls would be saved!

That’s what this is all about!

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:2-3, “…Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.” (NLT)

Don’t give up my sister. God has a plan! Even though it may be hard, long, and you might not understand all that the Lord is doing through it all. Fight to know that through your suffering He has a purpose for it. Nothing happens by chance with God. It will work out for the good as Romans 8:28 promises. He loves you and is working on you, others, and the whole situation. So press to trust Him and respond properly through it.

Also don’t fight against it. Don’t grumble. Don’t be afraid, because God promises to be with you. And try with everything within you not to become depressed. If you feel it coming on…shake it off and keep moving forward in faith. Rejoice! Because the sun will shine again after the storm. Just keep praying. And keep believing that God will see through to the other side.

Know that He’s growing you up through this trial. He’s building character and strength. Count it all joy and get through it by trusting Him. Endure it, sis. The good part is coming…wait for it!

In the meantime, hold onto this verse that James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider is an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT)

Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

Are you going through a tough trial right now? If so, what are you doing to get through it and do you see God moving through it yet? Let me know. Also, a good book that I recommend this week on this very topic is by June Hunt entitled, “Trials: God’s Refining Fire.” AWESOME book! Get it today here: "Trials: God's Refining Fire".

*TELL OTHER WOMEN about Inside Out with Courtnaye. It’s all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming back soon, so let’s help populate heaven together! Also, to get more biblical and practical nuggets, stay connected through my social media outlets and donate too if it’s helping you (this takes work…LOL!). Also, if you have any questions, need advice, or want to book me for your next speaking engagement, email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com! Let’s do this!

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