Message Musings: Confidence in Trials

The following article is based upon Pastor Tony's message "Confidence in Trials" preached on July 26th, 2020

When this year began, I doubt any of us saw a global pandemic on the horizon. Unexpected circumstances send life into disarray. Unfortunately, they can also shake our confidence.

On Sunday, Pastor Tony showed us four factors that enable us to remain confident in trials.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:19-21

The Word of God

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

No matter what situation we face, God's Word is unchanging. It directs our lives and gives us the end of the story. Regardless of the path our lives take, God has given believers a home in heaven. It's promised in His Word!

The only way we'll know these assurances is by digging into the Bible and finding out what God says.

Prayer

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

God invites his children to come close to Him through prayer. When Christians pray, God hears and answers their requests! Paul, the preacher writing this verse, was confident that God would work through the prayers of the church. Don't allow prayer to be the last resort! Turn to God in prayer and trust Him to intervene.

The Holy Spirit

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

The Holy Spirit is given to teach, guide, comfort, and grow the believer. In the middle of trials, God's Holy Spirit will comfort and strengthen Christians! On our part, it is vital to allow the Spirit to perform his work in our lives. Too often, we ignore the Holy Spirit. It's time to get in God's word and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

God's Plan for my Life

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Paul, the preacher, was yielded to God's plan for His life. He knew that God was going to use him to lift up Jesus. This fact brought confidence! Whether he lived and served Jesus, or died for the name of Christ, he would fulfill God's intention for his life.

For the believer, it's time to seek God and be yielded to Him. There can be no confidence during trials when we rely upon ourselves. However, there is great strength to be found when relying upon God.