A Whole Lot Of Shaking Going On! Getting Your Spiritual Workout

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:2-5)

Being a child of God, you will get a spiritual workout. There are times when God will allow trials that will stretch you.

When you work out, it is always good to stretch your muscles, especially afterward. It reduces muscle tension and promotes blood circulation.

Trials will give you a workout, and at times, if God wants to grow your faith, He will allow trials to do so to stretch your faith to believe for more and to trust Him more.

Lately, I have had a whole lot happening, and it seems to have hit all at once. Last year, the Lord impressed upon me to leave the full-time job I had. It provided for income to cover half of our bills. After praying about it and discussing it with my husband, I knew what God was asking, and I had to obey regardless of how scary it would be. God was stretching me to trust Him to be our Provider, our Jehovah Jireh.

It started okay, and our needs were being met. Lately, it has felt as if all hell has broken loose. One thing after another hit us financially, amongst other non-related issues, and what seems like hands coming at me in all directions.

Listening to a devotion, I heard God say, " I'm stretching you, stretching you to believe for more, stretching you to trust Me even when things look their worst. And I'm shaking you, so that I shake loose what is not beneficial. When complete, the only thing that will remain will be that which we'll stand strong and benefit your spiritual walk, your faith, and the purpose I have for you.

“Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain." (Hebrews 12:26-27)

Are you undergoing some shaking and stretching? Trust God, rely on His strength. Trials will bring to the surface the things in your spirit that are weak and need strengthening. They will also bring to the surface those things that do not belong in your heart or relationships.

"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9-10)

God will also show you truth through it, and expose the lies.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

If He is allowing it, then trust the One who provided for your salvation, and the excruciating death of His one and Only Son, Jesus Christ, and the overwhelming, unconditional love for you that led Him to do that. Trust that He will never leave you or forsake you.

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

If God promised, He will fulfill; if He allows, it will be for your good. Allow God to give you a spiritual workout, and your faith and endurance muscles will be much, much stronger!

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)