Step Two
We came to believe that a Higher Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking.
Philippians 2:13;
God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Suffering is Part of Life:
Faith does not exempt individuals from suffering, but rather provides strength, purpose, and peace to endure challenges.
John 16:33
Jesus tells his disciples, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Trials are considered a universal part of life, and faith transforms the experience by offering divine presence, resilience, and the assurance of ultimate restoration.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 Peter 1:6-7
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Not Immunity, But Endurance:
Faith serves as a foundation that keeps people stable during “storms,” acting as a source of inner strength rather than a shield from life’s difficulties.
Purpose in Pain:
Rather than removing hardships, faith often provides a perspective that allows believers to see trials as opportunities for growth, refinement, and for working out a greater purpose.
God’s Presence:
The promise is not a life without trouble and pain, but rather that God is present and will help believers navigate through, rather than avoid, difficult circumstances.
Rather than removing believers from suffering, God promises to be with them through it.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.
Biblical Context:
Teachings highlight that even the righteous face hardships, and that faith often strengthens during, not just after, difficult times.
Examples of Faith:
Figures like Job, Joseph, and the Apostle Paul suffered greatly despite their faithfulness.
Ultimately, the focus of faith during suffering is often on finding peace and hope, believing that suffering does not have the last word.
The Bible encourages believers to look beyond temporary suffering toward future glory.
Romans 8:18
The Apostle Paul wrote, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
The Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The bible encourages us to walk by the Spirit, allowing God’s word to govern our emotions, rather than letting emotions dictate our life direction.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Faith isn’t about begging You to take the trial away, it’s about trusting You to hold me steady while the trial is still here.
Father God, I keep asking You to fix it, change it, make it easier, when maybe what I really need is the grace to keep going while nothing changes yet.
Father God, teach me that Your nearness in hard seasons is just as mighty as Your power to remove them, that sometimes the real miracle is how You carry me through.
When the disciples were afraid, Jesus didn’t abandon them in the storm, He stayed right there in the boat, and so often that is what my heart needs most, not escape but Your presence.
Father God, help me stop judging Your goodness by how quickly my problems disappear and start seeing it in how You give me strength I never thought I had.
Holy Spirit, guide me, lead me and remind me that perseverance shapes my heart in ways comfort never could, that there are lessons I can only learn while walking through the storm, not after it passes.
Holy Spirit, give me faith that trusts You when life feels loud and uncertain, not just faith for things to settle down, believing You are still at work even now.
Holy Spirit, help me face today’s challenges with confidence, not because they are gone, but because I trust You are here with me. May Your will be done, not mine in Jesus’s holy name I pray, amen.
Always work in progress
Last bet: 23 April 2024
Gamble free days: 657
One day at a time.
- This reply was modified 6 months ago by kin.