I was speaking with a friend the other day, whose wife had recently been diagnosed with cancer. We talked about ways that he could support her in this time of trial.
Men we are to be the gate keepers, the prayer warriors and the builders of faith in our families. To help us with this we have to be active in seeking wisdom from God and mentoring from our church community. Involvement in a men’s group is a great way to get support and encouragement as you do life together while continuing to fight on.
Unfortunately in our fallen world things come against us but hopefully it turns us back to the “Word of God” where Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have TROUBLE. But take heart! I have OVERCOME the world.” (John 16:33.) His plan is that we build into our lives a firm foundation, so that when times of trouble come, we will not fall. (Luke 6:46-49.)
Jesus says, “I am with you ALWAYS, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:20.) Even in a time of trial God is with us. When we SEEK Him we WILL FIND Him. (Matt 7:7.) So, in times of trial we seek Him fervently.
I’m reminded that God calls us to trust in Him with all our heart and we lean not on our own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5). We claim the truths of His Word, not the situation we are in. We need to subdue our mind and make it submissive to God’s Word and repellant of all the attacks of the enemy. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5.)
In my experience of times of trouble and trial, I turn to God and have an expectation of His involvement in helping me to be an overcomer. We can stand on His Word. We can expect in faith, His action. We can know His personal intimacy and guidance for us in the situation.
So, in a sickness trial we STAND ON HIS WORD. Psalm 103:2-5 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that bought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” It would seem many Christians believe part but not all of this verse. If He died for our sins He was also wounded for our healing.
Unless God says otherwise, we press in for healing. Ask bold questions of God like the Apostle Paul did who was told that he would have to accept the thorn in the side and God’s grace would be sufficient for him.
So, men, let us be trained for battle, so that when a trial comes, we can stand and be an overcomer. That we can be an encouragement and steadfast in our faith to support those around us.
If you’d like us to stand with you in prayer about a trial that you are going through, or someone close to you is experiencing, let us know by replying to this email.
Blessings
Peter Goulter
Peter has written an inspiring book, Surviving Trials, where he shares his incredible healing testimony. You can purchase this book, “Surviving Trials” [here]. It is also offered as an E-book [here]. Peter is available to speak to your group and in your church to bring an encouraging message on Surviving Trials and God’s healing. Contact PK if you’d like to know more.