Our fiery trials also expose the planted lies that we have believed. They slipped in through undetected fiery darts. We unknowingly accepted them, and because of that the enemy of our soul gained ground. 

Ephesians 4:27 says to not give him any opportunity. Any thought against ourselves, others, or our circumstances are fiery darts. Once we dialogue with them, they are seeded in our heart. From them, the enemy builds internal strongholds.

If you have ever felt a barrage of negative thoughts, they are coming from an internal stronghold. Jeremiah 1:10 is God’s way of destroying them. However, after the destruction, new inner strongholds of truth are needed to take their place. 

It says, “…to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” Without total destruction, the weed-seed-lies will continue to propagate in the fallow ground of our hearts.

When gold or silver is tried in the fire, the hidden alloy is exposed. Let’s take that into the spiritual aspect through 1 Corinthians 3:12-13. It says, “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear…it will be revealed by fire…”

In 1 Peter 1:7, Peter described our trials as fiery. The Lord’s intention is, “That the genuineness of your faith…though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

In the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, only what man had bound them by was consumed in the fiery furnace. Daniel 3:21-25.

Our trials are like dark threads. They weave in and out of the tapestry of our lives to give definition and beauty. Trials are essential for our spiritual growth. They expose the hidden things of man that keep us bound.

1 John 4:8-9 says, “…God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” Verse 19 says, “We love Him because He first loved us.”

John 15:12 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Have you ever struggled to love someone when they were sinning against you? Romans 5:5 says, “…the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

As in forgiving another, we forgive with the same forgiveness we have received. Ephesians 4:32. Colossians 3:13. When our heart is wounded by someone’s sin against us, we extend His same love that was poured into our hearts. We sacrifice our flesh to freely give His eternal love to them.

1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” We are created for eternal existence ~ either in hell forever or in the Presence of the Lord forever. 

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”

Jeremiah 31:3 says, “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” 

If doubts ever come into your mind that you are not loved, remember God’s word is eternal. Psalm 119:89 says that it is settled in the heavens. Titus 1:2 says that God cannot lie. 

Ephesians 1:4-5 says that He chose us before the foundation of the world, “…before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…”

Ephesians 1:13-14 says of that relationship that, “…you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance…” Peter wrote about this. 1 Peter 1:4-5 says, “To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith…”

Hebrews 1:3 says of Jesus, “…upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Our faith is rooted and established in eternal truth that keeps us moment by moment.

Faith first comes in a measure. Romans 12:3 says, “…as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” It is increased as we hear and apply God’s word. Romans 10:17. Colossians 2:7 says that we abound it in through thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:7 says, “Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Faith is not a method or formula. It is a deeply established belief in God that will not be shaken by anyone or anything.

Mark 11:22 says, “…Have faith in God.” Our Creator God is the only True God. There are many gods in this world. I think of Revelation 12:5. It says, “She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…”

There is only One who fits that description. Psalm 2:4 says, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.” The ‘them’ refers to those rulers who are against the Lord.

Our personal relationship with the Lord of glory is based on Who He is from eternity to eternity. 

Our faith rooted in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Hallelujah He is risen!

I love the militant tone of Nahum 2:1. Think of our present situation. It says, “He who scatters has come up before your face. Man the fort! Watch the road! Strengthen your flanks! Fortify your power mightily.”

Stalwart means strong, sturdy, robust, solid, dependable, and courageous. Think of Joshua. He was the new leader of the children of Israel, who could not be counted because they were like the sands of the sea.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Timeless words. 

Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance…” Stalwart faith endures. I encourage you to make a list of ten verses that you know say ‘fear not’ so that you can pull them out when  you start to doubt.