The Staff and Sword Ministry
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February 2001
RYTRIALS PART V By Nancy-TONY
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange su erin s ty ing has happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's ff g ; that, (I Peter 4:12-13,) when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also witl exceeding joy."
A WALK OF FAITH In this series of articles the Lord Jesus has led me to address some issues in a variety of ways to prepare God's people for coming through the times ahead with their faith in tact and, by the Grace of God, perhaps even stronger than before. As part of this I realize now that the Spirit of God has had me address this subject in such a way so as to confront our ideals or expectations in contrast with what God may have in store for us and the reality of the possibilities that we may face. Our ideal versus reality - how often has this been a source of confusion, trial, disappointment and/or condemnation for us all? In this article I have the leading to share some of the things I have learned by the Spirit of God in my walk in Christ which touch on this question: What is a walk of faith? What might be our ideal or expectation of what a walk of faith is like in contrast to the reality? So that you might not think "as though some strange thing has happened to you", let's take a look at some of the ways God operates which may be different from what we've come to think and expect in watching others from a distance. Let's take a look at the way we want God to operate versus the He does operate.
ONE OF MY FIRST LESSONS Years ago, when I was in high school, I believed in Jesus Christ and desired to draw near to Him but I didn't know how. At the same time, I was going through a difficult time in my life as for years I had been picked on by one or more fellow students at school. It seemed as though no matter where I turned, no matter what classes I took, someone was there to torment me. I didn't know then about demons and how the Devil can use people to come against another person. All I knew was that I just wanted to be left alone. I felt I had done nothing to them nor had I done anything to draw attention to myself and yet attention I got — unwanted attention in the form of teasing, ridicule and derogatory remarks. It became so bad that I just wanted out. I thought about suicide but that was too painful and difficult and I realized I didn't really want to die but could see no end to my torment and nothing to live for. I wanted an escape from my present life.