Some of God's people are on the verge of giving up because their troubles have become too "hard to deal with." In times like this, you either stand on what you've learned, or you give up. There is no neutral place. NOW is the most opportune time to stand on the Word of God.
Have you had situations lately that have been hard to deal with? We all have! However, let me share something with you about, "heat waves and fiery trials." THEY ARE SEASONAL! They don't last forever! It's what you do IN those perilous times that will determine how quickly you get OUT of them.
You must not let go of what you have learned because that is the very thing that will put you over. If you let go of what you've learned, God doesn't have an avenue through which to work. You must remain stable in these unstable times through your faith in God. Some have said the "message of faith" is not the message of the hour, but I personally believe that it's never been more needed than right now! THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH!
In these perilous times, don't be deceived into giving up because you don't understand why all this is happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 (Amplified Bible) clearly states, Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange - unusual and alien to you and your position - were befalling you. The New International Version says, Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering.
Notice, Peter said that you shouldn't be surprised when your uncompromising position or stand on the Word comes under attack. Knowing that perilous times are coming will help you to be prepared when they do come.
Some are bewildered and disillusioned because of the trial they are experiencing, saying, "Why is this happening to me? I don't understand why this is happening to me." The devil can defeat you while you are thinking that. He loves for you to ask questions like these and open the door to discouragement.
When you are going through fiery trials, don't think it is strange that the devil is trying to steal the Word from your heart. He knows you will win if you stay in faith and stand on the Word of God. If you are experiencing a fiery trial, then you are a candidate for a time of refreshing. God wants you to recover from the effects of heat and continue to be fruitful and productive.
If you are going to experience a time of refreshing, you will have to be where the refreshing is - in the presence of the Lord. You won't experience a refreshing running FROM God - you must run TO God. In His presence is fullness of joy. God calls a time of refreshing: RECOVERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF HEAT!
Let me pray for you right now: Father, in the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray for each one reading this devotion, who realizes their need for a refreshing. I pray that as they spend time in the presence of the Lord, a wonderful refreshing will come on them.
This refreshing will wash away all the hurts, disappointments and scorching from the effects of heat and fiery trials. Then the cool breezes of the Holy Spirit will bring wholeness, soundness, and life to every part of their lives, in Jesus' Name. Amen!
Today's Scriptures: Acts 3:19; 1 Peter 4:12
Excerpt permission granted by Jerry Savelle Ministries International