It is written – Transform by Renewing Mind, is a devotional magazine, born out of numerous encounters with the Lord as we, as a family, navigated hardships during our twenty-eight years of married life (to date). The magazine focuses on understanding Kingdom principles, discovering our identity in God, and cultivating consistent intimacy with the Lord.
Believers have a strong desire to evangelize and encourage both believers and non-believers through the Word of God during challenging times. Yet, this effort often falls short due to a lack of understanding of the truth (John 8:31–32). Much of the teaching today helps us manage worldly pressures and meet our personal needs, but believers often feel helpless when facing hardships in life.
Despite frustrations, disappointments, and doubts, the Lord has built us up over time. Our testament is:
We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair.
- II Corinthians 4:8 (Amp)Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.
– I Corinthians 10:13 (Good News)Obviously, the battle of the mind was strong enough to make us feel frustrated with the Lord as we went through hardships. In some cases, we accepted the outcome as it happened, while in others, we experienced miracles. The process leading up to those miracles was beyond words to describe.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth. So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
– Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)We have been blessed to have a shepherd over us and a father in the Lord (Dr. William D. Hinn, http://www.WilliamHinn.org) for the past 24 years, who has taught us the Word of God—a Word that does more than sustain our lives; it strengthens us in the Lord. In a nutshell, understanding the truth of “what was restored on the cross for the sons of God and who we are in Christ” changed our perspective on handling hardships, even amidst all human emotions.
We can reflect on Paul’s words in II Corinthians 12:7-10 (The Message).
At first, I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, "My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.
- II Corinthians 12:7-10 (Msg)We turned to every possible source to address our hardship. However, this only added more confusion, disappointments, and failed human promises. Yet the Lord carried us through in a unique way, so that we could glorify Him alone.
The Lord allows His sons to go through hardship because He loves us and has a purpose for every trial. Our neighbors and families may have the heart to help us in the midst of hardship, much like Job’s friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), whose counsel only frustrated Job further. The Lord Himself rebuked and questioned Job, as in Job 38:3: “Pull yourself together, Job!”
It is healthy to share our hardships with someone we trust, such as family members or fellow believers in the Church community, seeking comfort. However, we learn to experience and apply this principle: “Don’t make your problem bigger than God,” by spending significant time with the Lord, studying His Word, and allowing Him to comfort and guide us. Through this, we learn to guard ourselves, as the Lord said in Matthew 26:41.
Stay alert: be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger.
- Matthew 26:41