Trials - The Testing of Our Faith
Hi Friends,
Today, I am writing about a test, “a thorn in my side.” There are no doubt difficulties and trials in this world that we must face, but the Lord will use anything and everything to perfect our faith, and to teach us how to endure and remain steadfast.
I want to share three visions that the Lord gave me just this morning regarding a difficult situation. Even though the trial is for me, I am sharing it because we learn from each other’s experiences. Every word that comes from God, helps to us to apply his ways, and his wisdom to our lives.
The Visions
I saw a white mosquito net with a contrasting band that wrapped the edges of the net giving it structure. Grommets were placed at intervals along the band to allow the net to be joined to another net, or to be tied down in place.
Next, I saw a thin aluminum shower curtain ring that had a pinch style closure. It was held in the right hand. In the left hand was a flat rod that was about 1” wide and 3/16” thick. It’s end was clenched in the left hand. I could see that the flat rod was to be placed into the round thin metal ring.
And then, saw a cooling rack standing on its edge and hiding behind something that appeared to be a black mound. Perhaps it might have been a crumpled up black towel or other object that hid the lower part of the cooling rack.
Because I was praying for a solution to my problem, I believe that all three visions are specific to the situation.
A Mosquito Net
A mosquito net is designed to keep pests like mosquitos from coming into a house. The edge of the net had grommets so that it could be tied to another net, in the event that more were needed. The net could be tied down at these points to secure it in place.
So what is the pest or irritating situation? In my life there is someone who resents me, who tries to discredit me and my participation. But from scripture, we learn that our enemy is not a person, but a spirit or demonic entity that is in operation to cause division.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
In the natural, we would try to shield ourselves from such negative influences. And we know that the devil would like nothing better than to cause division where there should be agreement. In my case, the someone who has become a thorn in my side, constantly finds fault with me, contradicts me and embarrasses me in front of others.
I have taken the situation before God after every insult, and he has given me three commands:
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3
“But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:39
So I know that I must live at peace with everyone, consider them better than myself, and to not take offense or say anything to defend myself when I am attacked or embarrassed in front of others. This is God’s will for me.
Isaiah spoke of the Messiah 700 years before the Lord Jesus came to suffer and die for our sins.
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
We are the Lord’s disciples, his followers. We are to learn his ways, because it is not natural for us. We have to see things from his perspective.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
My natural desire is to run, for I am a conflict avoider. Conflict is terrible, rejection hurts, and both undermine peace. Most of us try to avoid pain and cling to whatever is comfortable, whatever feels right. But the Lord’s desire is that we stand firm in the midst of trials, and believe that we will see the deliverance of the Lord. That is truly what I believe this is all about. We are not to run from our difficulties, but learn his ways.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
The Lord has told us that life will have its difficulties.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” John 15:18
The apostle Paul experienced so much persecution, coming from every direction, even from false brothers. All believers in Christ will at some point in their lives receive rejection and push back. It could come from those who hate us, for we carry the Holy Spirit, who brings conviction of sin and exposes the deeds of darkness. A spirit of jealousy, envy, or fear can be stirred up to cause others to dislike us. But even so, we must not give into our flesh and take offense, but find a way to forgive.
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12
"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter." 1 Peter 4:16
The Shower Ring and the Flat Rod.
The shower ring in the next vision was raw, unpolished aluminum. It was old and had seen some wear. The rod was not round as a normal shower pole, but was flat, more like a standard curtain rod. The hand that clenched the rod, held it at its end, squeezing it firmly.
I believe that the ring represents the status quo. The ring is round and expects that anything that should come near it should also be round, as a round shower pole. The hand represents the person with whom I am having a conflict, for it grips the flat rod by the end, and squeezes it attempting to keep it from going into the shower ring. I believe that this person tries everything to keep me out of the circle, hoping that I will get offended and leave.
But my hope is in the Lord. Perhaps by following his instructions, continuing to forgive, he will bring a change of heart and a resolution to the problem.
Learning from the Past
Years ago, I was having issues with my father. So, I happened to speak with a friend who suggested that I speak with her friend, a Gestalt therapist. He said to me, why don’t you tell me everything that you cannot say to your father. So I did as he suggested and through the exercise, I discovered that my father did what he did because he loved me. That revelation changed how I interacted with him. After that he could say anything, and I would just say to myself, “Yes, that’s my father!” I just loved him anyway. I loved him just the way he was. He didn’t change, but I did.
Later I discovered that the same love I had for my father, spilled over to a friend’s father. Her father was rough to say the least, a truck driver, who didn’t hear well. I could talk with him about anything, and listen to his stories over and over. He didn’t really hear what I had to say, but he appreciated the fact that I would listen to him.
If God could change my reaction to my father’s critical remarks, I suppose that I could accept this person’s negative and embarrassing comments. After all, no one is perfect.
“...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23
I hope that I am able to keep God’s three instructions that he has given to me, so that there may come a needed change.
The Cooling Rack
A cooling rack is meant for cooling things that come from the oven. In the vision, the cooling rack was hiding behind a black mound of something. Perhaps what the black mound was, is not as important as to why was the cooling rack hiding.
I remember several years ago, my father, an attorney, gave me a six month “cooling off period.” He did not want to move forward on a decision too quickly. I know that whenever he had to make a decision, he would say, “I will take it under advisement.”
So in learning from him, I should take all situations “under advisement,” before making a decision. As a Christian, we make our decisions under the advisement of the Lord. He is our counselor, our guide and the one in whom we place our trust. After praying for this ongoing problem, I know that the Lord wants me to remain steadfast and to not run.
Several years ago, the Lord said to me, “I keep my angels round about you, but you go your own way.” I don’t really want to go my own way, and I don’t really want to start all over again.
The cooling rack in the vision was hiding, trying not to be noticed. We are not to hide or run, but to overcome. How often did the churches addressed in Revelation were told to overcome? They had to endure trials and overcome their weaknesses, to remain faithful to God.
I believe that this “small trial,” for me is to prepare me for greater trials in the future. I believe that we all will face the tests of our faith, for the days are wicked.
Persecution on a Larger Scale
Jesus warned us that there would be an increase in wickedness in the last days. There is no doubt that wickedness has been increasing very fast. Nothing seems to be stopping the moral decline, and the willingness for the masses to conform to this “New Order.” Some call it the “Great Reset.” Others refer to it as the “globalists’ agenda.”
The world’s ideologies and plans include squelching every dissenting voice. The propaganda and fear mongering has infiltrated every avenue of life. The world health organization, the wealthy elite, the globalists, and the leaders in the government are all going along with this new reset. We see the world’s ideologies and agenda making their way into the military, the schools and universities, the social media platforms, the news media, the airlines, the healthcare industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the food industry, the entertainment industry, and the banking and finance industry. Nearly every corner of society has been affected and infected with lies, fears and perverted views. This new reset, comes from the devil, who holds sway over most of the world. We have never seen such orchestration and compliance with evil as it is today.
But the Lord sees from heaven:
“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20
As darkness gets darker, persecution will come to anyone who opposes it. We have to be ready. This trial that I am experience is nothing in comparison to what is around the corner. If we run when the trial is small, how can we stand when the trial is immense, or seemingly overpowering? We have to learn to stand firm and see the salvation of God. If we hide or run from small difficulties, we will never make it when the test is fiery.
“For everyone will be salted with fire.” Mark 9:49
“There is no test uncommon to man. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. I Corinthians 10:13
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19
We have to stand firm in our faith. We cannot shrink back for we know that cowards will not inherit the kingdom of God.
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
Because our battle is not really with people, but with the powers and principalities that operate behind people, our weapons are not man made. They are spiritual weapons along with spiritual defensive armor.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18
Because the days are wicked, we must stand firm and learn to turn the other cheek. The days of persecution and the testing of our faith will soon be upon us. We cannot afford to get offended and leave, we need the body of Christ. We need each other, so we cannot hide out, or compromise with the world in order to fit in. We are to be separate, consecrated to God. We need to train ourselves and be prepared for battle, knowing that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us, and that the battle is his.
So let us follow the Lord’s way, not caring what others may say, for the Lord will use these trials for our benefit. He wants us to handle the small irritating things like mosquitos, before we have to face our Goliaths.
So at last we can say with James:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
It may seem difficult to count it pure joy, in the midst of a trial, but if we keep our eyes on the Lord, having an eternal perspective, we will see that the pain of the trial is worth the eternal life we can have with God.
God bless you all for reading. I hope that you will share this post with others. We all face trials and tests of our faith. Be blessed!
