Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth. Psalm 119:88

  Have you ever been in the midst of circumstances when you just wanted relief? Your prayer was quite simple, “God please take this trial away!”   Living in a sinful world presents many challenges. They can range from health issues to employment problems to family conflict as well as the daily battle with spiritual warfare. It is very easy to become spiritually disoriented.   If you are a Bible-believing Christian, you must believe in the sovereignty of God. He is intentional in all He does, and He always has the power to accomplish His purposes. This means that the circumstances you face are intended to accomplish God’s divine purposes. Even if those circumstances occur because of wicked people.   The psalmist continues to face extreme opposition. In the midst of the opposition he stands firm on the fact that God’s love is unwavering. He never has to be concerned with God becoming disinterested, or that His love might diminish.   It is God’s love that the psalmist counts on to revive him. It will refresh his soul and strengthen his heart to walk in obedience to the Lord in the midst of his circumstances. In fact, the psalmist prays for revival for this very purpose, that he might continue to walk in obedience to the word of God.   Believers can easily become so engrossed in their circumstances that they fail to see the spiritual opportunities that God brings their way because of their challenges. Since we know that God is intentional, we must pray as the psalmist. Pray that God will revive us in His steadfast love so that we will continue to be obedient to His word. Always remember that circumstances, whether easy or difficult, provide opportunities for ministry.  

We are all going to face trials. How much better to walk through them in a way that honors the Lord so that we bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10).