This week, I’m talking about the fiery tests and trials that we go through in our Christian walk. Some of you reading this may be experiencing something very tough in your life right now, and I want you to know that you are not alone. God is with you. Ok? Hold on and BELIEVE that truth! But then I’m also aware that there may be others who are feeling mighty fine today, and I totally understand that too. I’ve been in both places. Yet, wherever you are at the present moment, know that God will get you through the fiery trials of your life.

Isaiah 43:2-3 & 5 says, “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel…Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (NLT) This Scripture is so powerful when you’re either in a trial or sense that you’re heading towards one. This is God showing you through His Word that no matter what He allows you to go through, and no matter how heavy the weight of the trial may be, He will be with you. And not only that, but it won’t be so strong to the point that you can’t handle it. It will not overtake you.

Have you ever heard or seen these encouraging words before…“If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” It’s a true phrase! I tend to look at it this way. If God allowed me to go through it, then evidently, He knows that I can handle it in His strength and in His supernatural power…not my own. I know in myself, I am not strong enough. But I can trust His Word, because He promises that will never fail me. And He won’t fail you either, sis.

I’ll never forget when I was going through the hard trial of losing my father to lung cancer. It was a series of things happening for several months that surrounded his sickness. My sisters and I not only had to deal with the harsh reality that we were about to lose our father, but there were also the real life issues of strained relationships, financial stressors, legal things that needed to be taken care of, but most importantly…saving his soul. In the long run, our father accepted Christ, cried out for mercy, and went on to be with the Lord peacefully. To God be the glory! Yet, that did not happen without going through the fire.

It’s important to know that when you’re in a fiery trial or sensing that you may be going into one, that God is with you and that it won’t last forever. It’s timed by God. The trial will end. And you can still have joy in the midst of it. It’s a supernatural joy from within. Believe it or not, but others around you need to see that as a Christian, you have hope, faith, and can still smile every now and then even when it hurts or when it’s really hard.

I’m reminded of a Scripture that helped me tremendously as I was going through that hard trial that I talked about earlier with my dad. It’s found in James 1:2-4 which says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting nothing.” This verse is saying be patient in the midst of the trial, count it all joy, because God does have a plan for it all and this trial has the power to increase your faith and strengthening your character in the end. The key is endurance.

In addition to that, you’ll also have a greater anointing and testimony, because at some point or another, someone else will need to know how you got through that trial. And guess what sis? You’ll be able to tell them, “Nobody but God!” Because you’ll know that it was nobody but Him that kept you through the fire. So hang in there and get everything that God wants for you and others in the midst of it. Remember, He’s at work and has a bigger plan.

Listen, no matter where you are with this, just know that God has a plan and a purpose for the hard things that you’ll have to experience in this life. We may not always understand it all as we’re going through it, but that’s when we have to step back and try to look at it God’s way. He sees the bigger picture, and that’s when our faith and trust in the Lord has to go into overdrive. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” He will get you through your fiery trials.

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

~Courtnaye

Book Recommendation: A book that I recommend this week is entitled, "Trials" by June Hunt. It's so helpful. She talks about the refining process and breaks down in detail what it looks and feels like in the midst of trials, while seeing the bigger picture of what God is doing. It's a very eye-opening and powerful little book. Order it today! 

QUESTION: Are you going through a hard test or trial right now? Need prayer about it? If so, I can join you in prayer. You can me directly today at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. Talk to you soon!

ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here on Amazon.com! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.

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