Author Darlene J Conard

“Lord, I thank You for every trial. I thank You for they have caused me to draw closer to You. I thank You for planting my feet here in my town. Thank You for every closed door that’s escorted by an opened door. Thank You for the good and bad experiences for through them I’ve witnessed Your faithfulness, love, mercy and grace. Thank You Lord, for trusting me with it all. Father thank You for having confidence in me when I or others haven’t.”

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Giving thanks for trials, divers temptation, closed doors, or betrayal to me didn’t feel like a celebration in the least. It took something devastating to teach me -why and how- giving thanks for such things is actually a powerful tool.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 KJV

It’s a sure indication, “I’m on the right track.” You’re on the right track! Fiery trials will either make or break us.

Jesus fasted and prayed in the wilderness for forty days to gain power over self-will. The devil tempted him three times. First, he tempted him to turn stones into bread, didn’t work. Secondly, he carried Jesus to the Pinnacle of the temple at a terrifying height: a 450-feet drop down to the valley below. Research it, its equivalents can be compared to a 45- story building. “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written, (here we go) “He shall give His angels charge over you, and in their hands, they shall bear You up, in case you dash your foot against a stone.” Thirdly, he carries Jesus up to, the Bible says an exceedingly high mountain saying, “All this I’ll give You, the world and all it’s glory. If You bow to me. Each time Jesus hit him with the word. Satan used, -if- if You are the Son of God to hopefully manipulate Him into taking the bait. He also used, “for it is written” satan knows the word well. He twists it deviously making it sound as truth. That’s why it’s so important to stay in prayer. Let our ears and hearts be sensitive to the distinct sound of God’s voice. Know the Bible, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) Satan believes the word more than we do. That’s why he manipulates through our weakness. He knows that getting on our knees, earnestly praying will change us and those around us.

Every trial that’s come my way has taught me just how faithful He is. It’s taught me to empty me to fill to overflowing with Him. They have caused me to draw nearer to Him. He will envelope us with His gentle embrace. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” … James 4:8

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