RYH Chapter 4 “Various Trials”

What is God’s purpose for the various trials we encounter, like poor health? There are too many Christians who have no idea why God allows any trials He allows in our lives. Without this understanding, is it any wonder that Christians appear as non-believers, and are so easily defeated—quickly turning to the world's way of dealing with health issues?

You will discover in this chapter, that there are many benefits that come from what God uses to test our beliefs. God uses various trails in order to guide and mold us—often to get out attention when we've been ignoring His calling on our lives. God also uses various trials as a means to build our faith in Him, while also giving us the endurance we need to finish each part of our journey, the path He has set before us.

The most important thing we need to realize during our trials, tribulations, tests, and temptations is that God is in control! It is His hand that allows these trials to touch us or not touch us. When He does allow it, He sends His grace that enables us to endure it—as long as we turn to Him and cry out to Him—not turning to anyone or anything else. "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).

Permission for adversity. The most comforting thing to know is that the enemy cannot touch us without God’s permission. Not only does the enemy need permission, but he is also given specific instructions on how he can touch us. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat . . .” (Luke 22:31). “Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.’ So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.” (Job. 1:12) without laying a finger on him—not until he asked again and God gave him permission to test his love for Him. 

Temptations. The temptations that we experience, Scripture tells us, are common to man, yet God does provide a way of escape. “No temptation has overtaken you but that which is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). He is not going to take you out of the fire of adversity, sickness and pain until you are willing to walk in it, walk through it, and most importantly, be able to endure it—even embrace the pain, the evil, rather than rejecting and fighting against it.

Resisting evil. As humans, we naturally resist evil, such as pain. Yet, Jesus in His Beatitudes made it a point to tell us that is not the way to gain the power He possessed and tapped into as a man here on earth. The example He left us to follow.  Even though we know well about "turning the other cheek" few know >resist evil> and even fewer have taken the time to delve into discover that He didn't actually say not to resist an evil "person" but not to resist any sort of evil. If you go back to the Greek, the word πονηρῷ (ponērō) is simply the word evil. In many of the most popular and accepted versions, the translator added the word [person] based on their own limited understanding of what Jesus was saying.

If you look yourself, when you go to look at the translation it shows evil [person]. This means [person] was added. Here are a eight versions translated correctly:

Matthew 5:39 KJV—
“But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil:

Jubilee Bible 2000
but I say unto you, That ye resist not with evil

King James 2000 Bible
But I say unto you, That you resist not evil:

American King James Version
But I say to you, That you resist not evil:

Douay-Rheims Bible
But I say to you not to resist evil:

Darby Bible Translation
But I say unto you, not to resist evil;

Webster's Bible Translation
But I say to you, That ye resist not evil:

Young's Literal Translation
but I -- I say to you, not to resist the evil,

Why this is important is that it allows us to expand and not limit this powerful message. Taking this principle and promise, then applying it to the pain you're experience, has proven to lesson the suffering associated to pain. This is practiced in many cultures, religions and even in modern pain management. Rather than focusing on the pain, and drawing back, tightening our body to fight against it, when released the pain and suffering decreases—such as in childbirth. Fear also is a contributing factor, which is why educating the patient has become the norm in modern medicine.

Temptations are brought on by our own lusts. Lust is simply what we want. Also, God cannot tempt us to do evil. Instead, it is our lusts that tempt us to do what we know we shouldn’t! “Let no one say when he is being tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:13–14). The greatest temptation when you are ill and suffering it to look to man (like doctors) or drugs or some other way to remove yourself from what’s happening to you. Instead, turn to Him alone by turning away from the temptations; simple “turn away from evil and do good” (1 Peter 3:11).

We are in His hand. “For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men and their deeds [and sufferings] are in the hand of God” (Eccl. 9:1). We make the mistake of foolishly trying to get help from others, especially from our doctors, when all that we receive will be from the Lord when we patiently wait for Him!

“Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord” (Prov. 29:26).

“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord” (Prov. 21: 31).

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33).

Repentance and salvation. “I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Cor. 7:9–10). God allows us to be sorrowful to bring us to repentance. 

 If he has committed sins. “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him” (James 5:13-15). God allows trials in our lives for the purpose of changing us. Suffering and/or fearing the future (due to being diagnosed with a serious or fatal disease) is most often used to change us, restoring our souls, so that we can be different than we were. But that can only happen when we receive what we need to endure it, such as grace.

We need grace. “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:9–10). You will never see your health restored until you exhibit contentment in the very midst and the worst of your illness and suffering.

Amazing Grace

How do we get the grace we need to make it through our trials, suffering and pain? We gain grace through humility.

“God hates the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).

“Blessed are the humble for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).

“A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Prov. 29:23).

Boasting about our weaknesses (not trying to hide them), confessing our faults, and being humble will enable the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Then we will learn contentment no matter what our circumstances. Once we are content, God can give us what we’ve been seeking—our health back—restored and healthy again!

Learning contentment. We see that we must learn contentment by the difficult circumstances that God has allowed. “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am . . . In every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Phil. 4:11–12).

Learning obedience. Even Jesus learned obedience from His suffering. “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8).

He will perfect us. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). Once He has begun a good work in you and your health, He will complete it. Don’t think that what He’s led you to do or change in your lifestyle is what will heal you. Only God can do that—He will complete what He started. 

“He said, ‘You must ·obey [or listen to the voice of] the Lord your God and do what ·he says is right [L is right in his eyes/sight]. If you obey all his ·commands [statutes; ordinances; requirements] and keep his rules, I will not bring on you any of the ·sicknesses [diseases] I brought on the Egyptians. I am the Lord ·who heals you [your physician]’” (Exodus 15:26 EXB)

We are to be a comfort to others. We are not merely to accept God’s comfort—we are commanded to give that comfort to others, no matter what their affliction. “The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:3–4). Being ill, as you probably have already noticed, changes you and helps you to have compassion for others—not just when they, too, are ill, but in every difficulty they’re facing. This is another way God is using this illness or malady for your good.

Our Father’s discipline. Many times our suffering is discipline for disobeying God’s Law. “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons . . . He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness” (Heb. 12:5–10). When a new trial or symptom shows up, ask yourself, “Is this God disciplining me, or is He testing me to see how I am going to react to it?” Many times we find ourselves fearful and we begin to panic, when the reaction to each and every new symptom or ailment that befalls us, needs to be turn to gratitude because He said to me, “My grace is enough to cover and sustain you. My power is made perfect in weakness.” So ask me about my thorn, inquire about my weaknesses, and I will gladly go on and on—I would rather stake my claim in these and have the power of the Anointed One at home within me. I am at peace and even take pleasure in any weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and afflictions for the sake of the Anointed because when I am at my weakest, He makes me strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 VOICE).

Discipline is a blessing. We must follow the examples of the prophets in the Bible to help others to endure their adversity as we endure our own, leading the way. “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:10). Throughout the world there are multitudes of sick and suffering people, who are facing far more than we are due to their living conditions. When we focus on them, and others who are facing situations more difficult than our own, we can begin to be grateful for what He has chosen for us.

His Chosen Cross for you

You may have heard the story about the man who visited Peter in heaven. and when he arrived he asked Peter, “With all due respect, Peter, this cross I am carrying is very heavy, and I’m tired of it. Is there any way that I can exchange it for another?”

“Sure,” Peter answered right away, “Let me show you to the cross chamber…”

We walked together down a long hall, and at the end were immense doors of iron that opened into a chamber the size of a stadium. Scattered all around were crosses of many different sizes and materials. Some, although smaller, were incredibly dense and heavy as if made of lead. Others towered hundreds of feet into the air. Some crosses forged of iron, some carved from thick oak – the selection was infinite.

So I set my cross among the many and began to test others. The enormous crosses I didn’t even attempt to lift, and others I could barely budge. One or two I could get up off of the ground, but they would have been impossible for me to carry. After searching for hours I came upon a simple cross of wood that seemed reasonable. With some effort I hoisted it up upon my shoulders testing its weight.

“This one seems like one I can handle,” I said. “It’s not light, but I think I can manage. I’ll carry this one.”

Peter responded calmly, “That’s the cross you came in with my friend.”

Here is another version of the same story…

I stumbled across a short story lately about a man who couldn’t carry his cross anymore because it was way too heavy for him. God asked him if he wanted to trade for another cross. The man was thrilled and accepted the offer. So he entered a room filled with crosses of different sizes, colours, materials and weight. There were thousands of them in that room alone. The man took his time, looking at all of them, touching and carrying them on his back to test the weight. He finally saw a small cross made of feathers in the corner of the room, hidden under much bigger crosses. He pulled it out and exclaimed “That’s the one I want! It’s perfect for me!” And God said “But my son, that’s exactly the cross you came in with…”

Another variation to the story: The story is told of a man who goes to Jesus wanting to trade out his cross for a better one. He tells the Lord, “I see the crosses others are carrying and theirs are much more bearable than mine. Why does my cross have to be so cumbersome and heavy? Other people carry their cross with ease and mine is hindering my day to day life.”

Jesus leads the man to a room full of crosses. Some are big and others are small. The man is instructed to put down his cross and then go select a new cross. The only stipulation was once he made his selection he could never complain or exchange his cross again. He searches for hours on end. The big crosses were just as he assumed—very large and very heavy. He knew there was no way he could ever carry those crosses. The smaller crosses were shockingly painful. Some had thorns that constantly stuck you in the shoulder or back reminding you of the beams you were bearing. Others were oddly shaped and rubbed the neck raw. Finally, the man came upon a cross that was perfect for him. Not too big but not too little. There were no sharp prodding objects and it rested perfectly on his shoulder so it would not irritate him as he carried it. The man cried out, “Here it is Lord!” Jesus asked the man, “Are you sure? Remember there are no trades or exchanges and no more complaining about your cross.” The man replied, “I am sure. This is the perfect cross for me.” To which Jesus replied, ‘My child, that is the cross you carried in with you today.”

IS THE CROSS YOU WEAR TOO HEAVY TO BEAR?

Complainingly I told myself,
"This cross is too heavy to wear"
And I wondered discontentedly
why God gave it to me to bear.

And I looked with envy at others
whose crosses seemed lighter than mine
And wished that I could change my cross
for one of a lighter design -

And then, in a dream, I beheld the cross
I impulsively wanted to wear,
It was fashioned of pearls and diamonds
and gems that were precious and rare.

And when I hung it around my neck
the weight of the jewels and the gold
Was much too heavy and cumbersome
for my small, slender neck to hold -

So I tossed it aside and before my eyes
was a cross of rose-red flowers
And I said with delight as I put it on,
"this cross I can wear for hours" -

For it was so dainty and fragile,
so lovely and light and thin,
But I had forgotten about the thorns
that started to pierce my skin -

And then in my dream, I saw "my cross,"
rugged and old and plain,
That clumsy old cross I had looked upon
with discontented disdain -

And at last, I knew that God had made
this "special cross for me,"

For God in His great wisdom knew
what I before could not see,

That often the loveliest crosses
are the heaviest crosses to bear,
For only God is wise enough
to choose the cross we can wear -

So never complain about YOUR CROSS,
for your cross has been blessed,
God made it JUST FOR YOU to wear
and remember, GOD KNOWS BEST!

As we bear our crosses there are two things we need to keep in mind. First, your cross is your cross. Do not look at someone else’s cross and think they have it easy—because you do not have a clue how it feels to bear that cross. It may look lighter, but it does not mean it is any less painful. The cross Jesus has placed on your shoulders is your cross. It was made and designed for you. So bear it with humility, grace, and gratitude. Gratitude?

Whenever my flesh wants to whine or I feel sorry for myself, I ask Him to show me or remind me of someone who is carrying a cross that's much more difficult than my own, and instantly my heart overflows with gratitude.

Secondly, when your cross seems unbearable, that Jesus never puts a bigger cross on you than you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” (The Message) The cross you carry is your cross and He will give you the strength to carry it until He lifts it from your shoulders.

To receive a blessing. When evil is done to us, like a misdiagnosis or malpractice that I’ve been asked to go through. Or maybe even bearing someone's insults (like people minimizing what you’re going through or try to give you an easy and quick solution or mocking what He's led you to do). Rather than taking offense or fighting back or resisting this evil, He asks us to pick up that cross, endure them all, without returning the insult or trying to return the evil— injuring them in any way (like suing them or tarnishing their reputation). 

We need to remember that insults and evils are brought into our lives to give us an opportunity to receive the blessings God has waiting for us! First Peter 3:9 says, “Not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead, for you were called for the very purpose that you may inherit a blessing.” “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidations and do not be troubled” (1 Pet. 3:14).

The Amplified version says it like this, “Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].” If you continue to respond with any sort of negative reaction—don’t expect to be blessed with what He had waiting for you as it says in Isaiah 30:18, “Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him” and that includes His healing!

Discipline may be sorrowful. Discipline and suffering though it is never joyful when you are in the midst of it. Yet, those who have been trained and changed by His discipline know the numerous rewards of the righteousness it produces—peace and restored health. “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:11). When once you were anxious and worried and concerned about little trivial things of your life, through this discipline He is training you to live your life differently once He’s restored your health. Even non-believers change their lives once they’ve faced a significant illness. Yet...

It begins with Christians. Why must suffering first begin with Christians? It begins with Christians first because sinful, disobedient, willful Christians who live exactly like the world will never draw others to the Lord. So again, it is the “will of God” that we are brought through our current sufferings in order to change us in so many ways. That’s why we need to allow ourselves to suffer and instead begin entrusting ourselves to God. “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (AMP)  “Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God’s will must do right and commit their souls [in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them]” (1Pet. 4:17, 19). 

The power of our faith. The truth is— our faith it what opens the door to miracles. You need to believe that He is able and wants to restore your health, and not doubt, in your heart. “And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be taken up and cast into the sea, and does not doubt it in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray, they shall be granted unto you’” (Mark 11:22–24).

God in His Word has told us that we will suffer. “For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor should be in vain” (1 Thess. 3:4–5). What's happened to your health is not a sign that your life or even good health is over. This is what God has used to get your attention and it is now what He is using to change you. Don’t give up! Don’t let the enemy steal the miracle that God has for you when you have endured and prevailed and have changed (from the inside out) and been transformed.

With God. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26). “Looking upon them, Jesus said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God’” (Mark 10:27). Nothing (not a thing) is impossible with God. Work with God—not your physician. Don’t have your plan or expect your doctor to plan what he/she can do to help you. He is not going to work with you or turn your health or healing over to any healthcare professional; instead, you must work with God and follow His plan for your healing!

What you speak. “. . . Let us hold fast our confession” (Heb. 4:14). “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account of the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Pet. 3:15). “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not . . .” (Dan. 3:17–18). We need to speak what God says in His Word, without wavering, with hope on our lips. Wait until you are asked to give an account of your health and healing. And trust me, you will be asked. So be sure you ask God ahead of time what you’re supposed to say so you are ready. And then when asked about your hope regarding your health, be sure that you answer the other person with reverence, respect, and gentleness and with what God gave you to say. However, be careful to never use Scripture to argue with anyone about anything.

Let peace be your umpire. Colossians 3:15 AMP says, “And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].”

Yet many times it’s better to say nothing! Remember, others often will be won “without a word” and simply saying anything will cause a debate or dialog that will not help but hurt you and the others involved.  “When He was verbally abused, He didn’t return the abuse; when He suffered, He didn’t make threats to cause suffering in return; instead, He trusted that all would be put right by the One who is just when He judges” (1 Peter 2:23 VOICE). Instead of saying much, take the time to … 

Gird your mind and stay fixed in your hope. “Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” and His healing (1 Pet. 1:13). By the way, the word sober simply means “clear thinking.” Be clear in your mind about what you really believe to avoid the consequences of double-mindedness and also do your best to not allow too much medication that could adversely affect your mood. Many prescriptions have clearly outlined side effects that we ignore due to how desperate we are to no longer deal with the pain or suffering—only to have it alter how we feel emotionally—such as causing depression. So be careful and understand that even science has proven that there was never any medicine that had no side effect. 

Be joyful. We are to be joyful in our trials, not just when they’re over. Why? Because we know the sufferings we are enduring are producing endurance that will enable us to finish the course set before us. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:2–6).

Be prepared—your faith will be tested! Fears and doubts come into everyone’s mind; just don’t entertain them! Instead, begin to focus and think only of good things. Ask God to help you. Since when you doubt, and begin to entertain that thought, instead of turning your thoughts to pleasant places in your mind—you will have trouble believing what He has planned for you. And that’s when the trials will become harder, almost to the point of no longer being able to endure it. Remember, we will have a “variety” of trials with our poor or failing health, some will be major trials and others mere irritations that often wear you down. We need to begin to thank Him for all of our trials. This is our sacrifice of praise and they are powerful. To help, I’d recommend reading one of Merlin R. Carothers books, beginning with Prison to Praise, which was his first book. Each of his books will help you actually Rejoice in your affliction.

Rejoice! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute [report], if there is any excellence or anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:4–9).

Clearly, most battles, even for our health, are won or lost in your mind. Follow the Lord’s advice for peace during your trials and suffering to gain the victory over them—learn to praise the Lord in the midst of them! Rejoice for what you know He is doing as He brings you through them. Then think on this joy, speak of this peace, and listen only to this in your mind. Many times close friends call to tell you what you should do to end your suffering. These usually not from God and most of the time they will lead you to do things that will turn out to be not lovely, pure, or right—so don’t listen and begin by not opening up to this sort of health by not sharing in detail what’s going on in your life and health.

Faith is not seen. So often we are looking for signs of improvement in our health. Yet, we must remember that Scripture is very clear—faith is always unseen!

When anyone asks you about your health, answer them with, “Praise the Lord—God is working!” because we know He is! And that’s how and why we, “Therefore do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:16–18).

Faith is the conviction of things not seen. When you are experiencing what Paul calls “light affliction,” it may still be significant affliction and you’re enduring something very painful. Stop to remind yourself of the most important truth: these afflictions are meant to be only momentary! These same afflictions are not only temporary but they are producing something even more wonderful for you—they are getting you ready for a new and wonderful healthy life! Remember, the suffering is temporary but the benefits will last an eternity! “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

Walk by faith—not by sight. Most people start believing when they begin to “see something happening,” but this is not faith! “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Looking at our circumstances. When Peter looked at his circumstances, he sank—and you will too. “And He said ‘Come!’ And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matt. 14:29–31). Don’t keep looking or thinking about what each ache, pain, or what horrible thing is showing up on or in your body. Turn your eyes to Jesus just as this song says:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, 

Look full in His wonderful face, 

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, 

In the light of His glory and grace.

For our testing. Probably the most important lesson in trusting GOD alone for our health is being able to pass our test—the test of our faith in His Word and not being swayed by emotion or false statements made by anyone else. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2). When you are perfected and your refining is complete, then you will see your health improve and you're fully healed!

Tested by fire. “In this you greatly rejoice, even though for a little while, if necessary you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6–7).

So many believers have failed their test and have continued to walk in the desert as the people of Israel did because they lacked faith who murmured and complained, which led to rebellion. The proof of your faith, which is a heart full of faith and contentment in your present circumstances, is more precious than gold. If you turn to healthcare and the “professionals” they may get your symptoms under control by “treating” your illness, or cut out and remove what they believe will relieve your pain or stop the spread of your disease—but very, very few are able to really heal you! It’s only GOD who is able to do that fully and completely! You simply need to wait and keep the faith.

Keep the faith. Do not turn to another plan when things get tough; do not compromise what you started out to do. The enemy is known for bringing new (and wrong) solutions to our trials and difficulties. Discerning and deciding to stay on the right path is the test we must continue to pass. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness . . .” (2 Tim. 4:7–8).

I personally found this to be very true when I endured completely natural childbirths or went through a three miscarriages. When I was very close to the breakthrough, which God was bringing me, inevitably I would be given some sort of solution that would instantly rid me of my pain. Yet when I was able to turn my face to the Lord, and resist those temptations, it was like I was miraculously freed by His hand!

2 Kings 20:1-2 AMP—
“Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, I beseech You, O Lord, [earnestly] remember now how I have walked before You in faithfulness and truth and with a whole heart [entirely devoted to You] and have done what is good in Your sight. And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” And notice that when Hezekiah wept, He was weeping to the Lord, not to anyone else who he hoped would or could help him.

A cord of three. If you have been walking with the Lord for some time and have become weary, ask God to send you one or two other believers who will help you not bend from your commitment, believers who they themselves can agree with you. “Two are better than one for they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart” (Eccl. 4:9–12). Here are some three-cord examples found in the Scriptures:

Moses, Aaron, and Hur: “But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set” (Ex. 17:12). Also see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the book of Daniel, chapter 3. You, just one friend, and the Lord are a powerful threefold cord!!

If you simply reach out to others who could use your help in their afflictions, any affliction, you would find that together you can lift each other up!

A Quick Reference to Trials and Tribulations 

God is the One in control, not man and not the devil!

1. Justice is from the Lord (Prov. 29:26).
2. An answer is from the Lord (Prov. 16:1).
3. The heart is turned by the Lord (Prov. 21:1).
4. Their deeds are in God’s hand (Eccl. 9:1).
5. Thou (God) has done it (Ps. 44:9–15).
6. He (God) raised the storm (Ps. 107:1–32).
7. He (God) removed lover and friend (Ps. 88:8, 18).

What do our trials do for us?

1. The power of Christ will dwell in us (2 Cor. 12:9–10).
2. We will learn to be content (Phil. 4:9).
3. We will receive a reward (2 Tim. 4:7, 19).
4. We lack nothing (James 1:2–4).
5. He will enable us to comfort others (2 Cor. 3:1–4).
6. He will perfect what He started in us (Phil. 1:6–13).
7. We will have our loved one back (Phlm. 1:15).
8. We will receive mercy (Heb. 4:15).
9. We will learn obedience (Heb. 5:7–8).
10. They will produce endurance (James 1:2–4).
11. We will receive the crown of life (James 1:12).
12. We will prove our faith (1 Pet. 1:6–7).
13. We will follow in His steps (1 Pet. 2:21).
14. We will share in His sufferings (1 Pet. 3:13).
15. We will be perfected, confirmed, strengthened, and established (1 Pet. 5:10).

Ask God for guidance through every trial. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5–6 KJV).

Let us call on Him for strength and draw close to Him in our time of need. Let us allow Him to discipline us, try us, and test us. Let us rejoice always in all things, not just in the good but also in the painful or fearful troubles that come our way. Let us keep our hope close to our lips and stay steadfast in our girded minds. Let us always remember that it is His will that we face these difficult trials and that they are being used for our good!

“Let us rejoice that He considers us worthy to suffer for His name!”
(Acts 5:41).

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good
to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Personal commitment: to consider it all joy when I encounter various trials and ongoing suffering. “Based on what I have learned from God’s Word, I commit to allowing the testing of my faith to help produce my endurance. And I will let endurance have its perfect result, that I may be perfect and complete, lacking absolutely nothing when it is His plan and appointed time to heal me.”