Walking through trials is not my favorite part of Christianity, however, they do produce the realest and most pure faith that can not be obtained when everything in our lives remains “perfect, “ideal” or “comfortable”.  I went through a season where when faced with a particular issue, it seemed to always bring me into a place of fear. So exasperated with my faithlessness, I began to ask the Lord to show me how to become “immoveable” in trials. I wanted the type of faith that stands firm no matter what’s going on around me but, was this type of faith even possible?

Joy and Peace in Trials

James 1:2-3 tells us to “face our trials with all joy”. Wait! So we’re able to face our hardships with joy? Yes!  According to scripture it is possible to face every trial with joy and peace but we cannot experience this joy and peace if fear is taking up residence in our hearts. I’m not saying that there won’t be pain in your trial but even in the midst of pain and suffering, Jesus has promised to give us peace and joy. So, how do we as believers overcome fear and become unshakeable as we walk through life’s toughest moments?

So, from this verse, you can see its Gods wisdom that enters our hearts that ultimately delivers and frees us from evil (fear). We need His perspectives on things but we only gain that perspective by humbling ourselves and seeking Him for it within the trial.  It’s in the place of humility that our hearts become ready to receive revelations that have the power to free us from fear.

As you read through the list below, ask the Lord to show you any areas in your heart that may be preventing you from walking in complete faith in your life.

11 Heart Revelations that Free Us from Fear:

1. Your Father loves you extravagantly! When we come to really believe this in our heart, fear melts away. Pray for the Lord to give your heart a revelation of His love for you. It’s His perfect love for us that has the power to cast fear out of our lives. (1 John 4:18)
2. Focusing on truth brings peace! It’s during vulnerable times that Satan loves to throw lies our way so, knowing how to counteract these lies with biblical truth is crucial to keeping you in peace. Jesus says, “I will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast on me.” Here is a link to scriptures that will help you overcome fear. Meditate on these and pray them over yourself daily!
3. Prayer changes things! Talk to God every day and throughout the day. Wait for His still small voice of peace to guide you through the trial. The Lord will give you either the exact word needed for your situation or the temporary silence needed to grow your faith in this trial.  Prayer has the power to move Gods hand in our lives but also to encourage us as we walk through trials.
4. Taking thoughts captive is a vital habit! Refuse to meditate on fearful thoughts/ideas. This means that any thought that comes into your mind about your trial that does not bring peace is not allowed to stay. This also means we have to be cautious as to what we allow ourselves to listen to or watch because what we let in ultimately affects our hearts. Any news source or internet search that perpetuates fear in us has to be shut down! Choose to let things in that keep you focused on God’s promises. This new habit will take some time getting used to so be patient with yourself as you learn to redirect your thoughts to God’s truth. The more you practice this, the easier it will get for the next time!
5. God always uses trials for good! Even when we don’t understand it, God is always working for good on our behalf.  Always! Psalm 23 says, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.” What Satan plans for evil against you, God will always turn around and use for good. Expect good will come from your hardship! Good is what He has planned for your life!
6. Praise brings break through! Praise Him even when you don’t understand because worship often brings breakthrough.  It also shifts our focus away from the problem and onto Jesus- The Problem Solver. When Moses was in battle, it was his hands lifted in worship that helped bring the victory. (Exodus 17:11)
7. Trials are temporary! Trials don’t last forever and are meant to refine our faith.  Ask yourself – what am I learning through this trial? Where can I see God working for good here? If you are unable to see any good, ask the Lord to help you see the situation from His perspective. 
8. Surround yourself with people of faith! It is vital to surround ourselves with believers that will lovingly point us to God and His Word through trials. God created His Body of believers to bring encouragement so, it’s important to attend a bible believing, Spirit-Filled Church and seek out Godly friendships. If you aren’t sure where to go, pray and ask The Lord to direct you and to put people in your life that will help encourage you.
9. God will meet you in your doubt! As you walk through  life’s trials, there may be times where we doubt our faith as well as the goodness of Gods character.  Press in to God through it! Doubt is a tactic Satan uses to try to steal our faith but also something God can use to help deepen it. Bring your doubts, your fears, and your questions to God. He is not offended by them. He will meet you right where you’re at and will lovingly walk you through it to bring you to a place of deeper faith and trust in Him. 
10. Refuse to grow bitter in the trial! Bitterness causes us to see God, our situation, and others wrongly. Ask the Lord to help you forgive those that have hurt you during this season and help you to show them the love of Christ. Choose forgiveness daily and you will one day see that hurt and bitter feelings eventually have no power over you.
11. Obedience brings blessings! He is a rewarder of those who obey him. Know that your suffering through trials is not in vain. It is working for good and you will be blessed because of it. 1 Peter 3:14-15 says, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

It’s freeing to know we don’t have to manufacture joy and peace ourselves! Jesus graciously gives it to us as we humbly seek Him and keep our eyes on Him through hardships. It’s also in the midst of trials that deeper faith develops. I pray you experience the joy and peace that Christ has promised in every season of life. It’s these heart revelations that ultimately have the power to free us from fear and all we have to do to receive them is to humble ourselves and ask. Be encouraged! He is faithful to complete the good work He started in you!

-Written by Alyssa Pillco

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