Faith Under Pressure
There are tests in the midst of the journey. It was an exciting time for the Children of Israel when they received their call to leave captivity and head for the promised land. How incredible to know that God’s heart was moved with compassion toward them and He loved them enough to miraculously lead them out of their bondage with such incredible miracles.
When we get a word or direction from the Lord, it can either be a fearful or exciting thing. If you obey His promptings, trusting that He is in control and leading you into a wonderful destiny, you move forward with joy and awe. Once you decide to remove all distractions and step out in faith, you soon realize there’s an onslaught of attacks that come at you from several directions. For the children of Israel, this reality turned their affection from their Lord to false idols, fear, griping and complaining. The outcome... 40 years in the desert, never seeing the fulfillment of their dream. It was their children that received it.
You must understand that before you receive the blessing, you will have obstacles to overcome. God is not simply looking to bless you, but to also build fortitude, character and faith in your spirit. Yes, believe for the promise, but don’t miss out on what you need to learn in the process. In this walk of faith there’s no room for the negative thoughts and emotions that are trying to get your attention and ultimately consume you. What God has promised and called you to He will fulfill, but no matter how long it takes, you must continue to trust Him and confess His Words over the situation, not the ones the enemy is shouting in your face.
Don't be shocked at the detours and bumps in the road. Keep giving God praise and trusting Him with the outcome. Use this waiting period to gain strength in His presence and build your faith in His Word. He's a good God and He can be trusted. Don't be moved or distracted by the diversions that surround you, but continue to focus on Jesus. He loves you and as long as you continue to trust Him and give Him the control of your life, He will not fail you and He will lead you on the path to the promise!
Romans 4:20-21 (NKJV) He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
James 1:2-4 (MSG) Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
