faith and trials

     I recently read some comments from a pastor regarding Luke 22:31-32 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.

     We also know from John 17:9-19 that Jesus prays for us, His followers.  In addition, Mark 11:22 tells us to ‘have faith in God’. 

     These teachings encourage us that Jesus is praying for each of us and to believe God, in spite of tests or trials that will come.  We can’t rely on the fact that we pray or that we have faith, but we must depend on the God of our faith.

     We are all challenged in our personal faith when the issue we're praying about doesn't result in what we ask or expect.  I realize that can be very discouraging and frustrating;  but we have the Word of God to help us, even in times of misunderstanding.  There's a story in the Bible book of Daniel about 3 young men who refused to worship the man-made idol of the King.  They were brought to court to defend themselves... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." 

     You and I can be encouraged by their words - if what we are believing for doesn't happen, we don't have to give in to fear, dismay or doubt.  Our God is greater than any earthly defeat we suffer; we can trust Him to help us get through the tests and trials of this life, no matter how difficult.  And then, when we see Him face to face, all of this temporary life's issues will be finished and we'll have a new life in His Presence..free of pain, sorrow, fatigue and worry!