Behind the Scenes

How often have you looked back after having gone through an intense time of trial and testing and recognize that GOD was there all the time? Certainly you have questioned His presence and often wondered why GOD would allow you to endure such trials but when you have reached the other side, you look back and you see GOD was there.

I recently read a little meme that said: “Don’t mistake GOD’s patience for His absence. His timing is perfect and His presence is constant. He’s always with you!” There is so much truth in those words. James encourages us with these words: “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4 HCSB).

In the midst of our serious trials, it is difficult to find pleasure and joy but James tells us we should because when we come out on the other side we will find ourselves spiritually strengthened, more mature and lacking in nothing.

As a young boy, David was anointed king over Israel. It was a done deal but a long time coming. He endured extreme difficulty under King Saul’s reign. He was persecuted, hunted down, endured extreme weather conditions and struggles with enemies from all sides.

But when his time of triumph finally came, he was found to be the man that was prepared to take the nation of Israel to the pinnacle of success as a world kingdom. But even greater than that, he was found to be a man after GOD’s own heart (Acts 13:22). David was great, not because he won many battles, secured great amounts of land or even reigned as the king of Israel, but because his heart was sold-out to GOD.

David didn’t secure his greatness overnight or in a simplistic manner; rather, he endured extreme trials and testings before he finally reached that place. But, through it all GOD was working behind the scenes.

GOD is working behind the scenes in your life and situations as well. He has not left you to try to make it through this life alone, but He will allow rough times to come along to hone you and sharpen you into the individual that He knows you need to be. You must keep the faith, hold on to the promises of GOD and endure the hardships that arise along the way (2 Timothy 2:3).

Looking back on all he had endured to reach the throne, David’s heart rejoiced at the presence and power of GOD that had gotten him to that place. He sang out: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge. My shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:2-4).

Do you find yourself struggling today? Do you find yourself going through really difficult trials and testings? Do you find attackers (even those claiming to be Christian) coming against you, creating heartache and pain in your life? GOD is working behind the scenes! There is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. GOD will bring you through if you simply trust Him and continue to hold on by faith to His strength and power.

Don’t allow the lies of the devil or the acts of demons dissuade you. Stand firm against those who are mean, bitter and deceived. Don’t trust in the lies of those who call themselves anointed by GOD and yet their lives, their actions, and their deceit prove otherwise. They will one day receive their just reward for their actions. Stand tall! Stand firm! Cloth yourself in the armor of GOD and be prepared for the victory that you are about to attain.

Receive strength from some of the additional thoughts David related in 2 Samuel:

Scripture Reading: “I called to the Lord in my distress; I called to my God. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears….He (the Lord) reached down from on high and took hold of me; He pulled me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me….He brought me out to a wide-open place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; He repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not turned from my God to wickedness….I was blameless before Him and kept myself from sinning. So the Lord repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight….God is my strong refuge; He makes my way perfect….The Lord lives-may my rock be praised! God, the rock of my salvation, is exalted. God-He gives me vengeance and casts down peoples under me. He frees me from my enemies. You exalt me above my adversaries; You rescue me from violent men. Therefore I will praise You, Lord, among the nations; I will sing about Your name. He is a tower of salvation for His king; He shows loyalty to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever” (2 Samuel 22:7, 17-18, 20-22, 24-25, 33, 47-51).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, You know how tough things are in my life right now. You are aware of the vices of my enemies and how they would seek to destroy me. But, I refuse to allow their lies and deceit to get me down any longer. I refuse to listen to their deceitful words spewing out of hearts filled with hate, bitterness and the lies of those who were once your called ones but who have now allowed their lives and actions to speak otherwise. Lord, I pray for Your strength. I pray for my church family. I pray, Lord, for my enemies that Your truth may prevail before it is too late for them. Lord, I lay all this down before You and trust in You for the greatness yet to come for me, my church and my loved ones. I praise You, O GOD, for You alone are worthy! I love You…in Jesus’ name I pray all these things…AMEN!