Happy Friday, my friends! I have not been able to blog the past couple of weeks because my computer has been in the shop, but it is back now working wonderful thanks to the lovely folks at Apple. 🙂

I was reminded recently of a sermon I heard  from Pastor Eric Ludy several years ago titled “Hold The Position.” It was an excellent sermon for those who are currently facing trials, or for when you face them in the future. This sermon hit home for me, and gave me some much needed reminders. In his sermon notes, Eric lists what he calls “12 Musts For the Hour of Trial.”

They are as follows along with Scriptures I have added that have brought encouragement to me when I have faced trials.

1. Reckon Yourself in Christ – You are secure.

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” ~Proverbs 14:26

2. Get the Grace Needed – You have the grace for help in time of need.

“But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~2 Corinthians 12:9

3. Maintain Priority Throughout – Don’t alter your God-assigned priorities.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ~Matthew 6:33

4. Rouse your Soul to Rejoice – Cherish this opportunity to get more patience.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” ~James 1:2-4 

5. Offer Thanksgiving, Sing Praises – for the victory is the Lord’s. He will prove the Champion every time.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~1 Thessalonians 5:18

6. Garrison the Mind – Check EVERY thought at the door. Frisk every thought to see if they have a trace of anxiety or fear in them. None of this can be allowed in.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

7. Garrison the Tongue – When under siege, the soul is sensitized and softer than usual. Over-statements and flesh-statements mustn’t fly. The tongue is owned by the Spirit of God, and in a time of crisis must make a firm resolve to remain the vessel of Spirit Truth.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” ~Ephesians 4:29

8. Be Bold to do the Difficult Things – Don’t avoid the difficult solution. Do what needs to be done without hesitation. Sometimes life and death is defined by doing what must be done in the moment, even if it is the most difficult thing you have ever done.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13 

9. Enter the Searchlight –  Be slow to expose the faults of others, be quick to expose your own personal faults. Take claim to whatever your responsibility might be in the situation. Allow the searchlight of the Spirit to start with you. If you are wrong in any matter, then repent, confess, and make things right quickly.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~Psalm 139: 23-24

10. Choose Weakness – Accept a weakened posture and a humble approach. Wield Love as your battle-ax. Wield Gentleness as your weaponry. Fast and increase prayer. Consider how you may bless those attacking, those opposing. In weakness there is spiritual power.

 “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:44-45

11. Get in the Shoes of Everyone Else –  Seek to be presidential. Seek to bring order and peace to the ruffled souls around you.

“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” ~2 Corinthians 13:11

12. Save the Big Life Decisions for Later –  If possible, wait for circumstances to calm before making large-scale life-directing decisions.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” ~Psalm 27:14

I pray that whatever trial you are going through today that you remember you are not fighting this battle alone. God is with you and He will get you through it.

Take some time and get the comfort you need by spending time in His word and talking to Him.  If you would like to watch the sermon that was mentioned above you can do so here.