test – Brian Friedl https://brianfriedl.com Making Your Life's Mission Possible Sun, 22 Jan 2017 11:15:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.17 64732294 Strength In Trials https://brianfriedl.com/strength-in-trials/ https://brianfriedl.com/strength-in-trials/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2017 11:15:20 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/strength-in-trials/ Recently, I reinjured my back.  The last time this happened, I was down for over 10 months. The longevity was mostly due to ignorance and loss of hope. While I firmly believe that that every test comes with a blessing, it gets harder to hold on to that truth when you are living in pain 24/7 and not sleeping. 

Examining some compononents of dealing with pain can be a helpful in preparing us to be ready. At some point we will all experience pain. 

Trials are always revealing our character.  We can hold it together for quite some time in our own strength but when there is prolonged pain our true self makes it way to the surface.  Rather than “manning up”, I’m going to keep my strength grounded completely in Christ this time.  

Temptation to numb the pain is incredibly appealing during times of prolonged pain.  There is really only on thing that will truly comfort and that is God in all three persons.  Every other substitute is like a drug that promises comfort but comes with a long list of side effects. 

We must not waver or justify “comforters” other than Christ.  There are many great tools that can and should be used, but make sure your affections are rightly placed on thanking the One who is responsible for the provision of those tools. 

Prayer is powerful weapon in times of trial and We are not alone in wielding it.  Look in Romans 8:26

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;” 

The Spirit intercedes on our behalf.  Remember, we are never alone in the trial!   We also find that not only the Spirit but also The Son intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34)

who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”

He intercedes in regard to our salvation and continues to do so; making us inseparable from His overflowing love.  

And what familiar passage is sandwiched between these two wonderful truths?  None other than Romans 8:28

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

So is the pain present? YES, strong as ever, but not as strong as my God who is at work in me.  Some good will come of this pain.  I will be lifted by the intercessions of the Spirit and the Son.  He will be my comforter, my shield and my refuge!

#truthtalk4life #knowlicespeaktruthinlove

@brianfriedl


]]> https://brianfriedl.com/strength-in-trials/feed/ 2 1051 Endurance By Trials https://brianfriedl.com/endurance-by-trials/ Tue, 06 Dec 2016 12:24:48 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/endurance-by-trials/   
How do you know something is ready unless you test it?  A few weeks ago I was driving down the road and one of the tires blew on the van and the rubber ended up tearing through the metal of the body and destroying the heater core.  I was a few miles from home.  

As frustrating as it was, I pressed on.  My daughter gave me a ride to the parts store after I confirmed my plan with a mechanic friend.  When the fix was in place, I tested it carefully, not going far until I was confident there was no coolant leak. I thanked the Lord that it happened only a few miles from home, my daughter was able to run me, and that I had the resources and skills to fix the issue. 

You see, the Lord was carefully testing me in all of this. Would I remain patient and grateful?  What a loving Father we have in heaven.! He uses all things to prepare us for the works we are to walk in.  He refines by fire that we may be pure and ready.  Praise him for the trials today and consider it joy as He grows your endurance!

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