Look to the Word

2 Corinthians 4:17,18

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The trials of this present life can either destroy us or present an opportunity to grow depending on what we do when confronted with opposition. If we look at the trouble, it becomes magnified in our eyes producing fear, and faith can be destroyed. Many people begin to question and blame God for their trouble, but God is not the problem. He is the answer. He has given us His Word and the Name of Jesus that will bring victory in every situation. If we look at the eternal Word of God and keep our eyes on His promises to deliver us and set us on high, we will rise above the conflict carried on the wings of faith and set safely on the other side of trouble. It is not trouble and trials that strengthen us, but exercising our faith by standing on the Word of God. Trials are only opportunities to exercise faith.

James 1:2- My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.

We should approach every trial with joy counting it as another opportunity to prove that the Word works. It is not that we should joy over trouble, but that we joy over knowing that no weapon formed against us will prosper and our God causes us always to triumph in Christ Jesus. This comes from a place of maturity and stability that is produce from experiencing victory time and time again.

Psalm 34: 17- When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.

Psalm 119: 50- This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your Word has revived me and given me life.

The Word of God is the rock upon which we stand. Time is a precious gift, we should use it wisely and spend time building our faith in God's Word so that when trouble comes, we will not be moved.

Matthew 7:24-27- So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the wind blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded upon the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell-and great and complete was the fall of it.

Two people facing the same circumstances, but one withstood and the other one fell. Hearing and obeying the Word of God is what makes the difference. We should never neglect the Word of God, especially when we have been blessed to be in a land where we have freedom and have many opportunities to hear the Word daily, on radio and on television. Listen to those who teach and build faith and who teach you how to live a triumphant life in Christ. Also spend time reading and meditating on God's Word. Then choose to speak in line with God's Word.

Hebrews 6:12- That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.