15 Dec How God Helps Us Overcome Trials & Temptations
In this third article based on my book Free Your Mind, we will cover content from chapters 22 and 23, which address our need to recall the ways God has helped us to overcome trials in our past. We will also cover content in chapters 30 through 35, which address how Jesus faced the same trials we face, and therefore he can graciously and wisely help us overcome them.
1. The Power of Positive Memory
Jesus’ twelve disciples once got upset because they had forgotten to bring bread, and Jesus had to remind them that they had already seen him miraculously create bread:
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with the in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” He said them, “Do you still not understand?”
Mark 8:14-21
The disciples needed to remember what Jesus had already done in order to combat their anxiety. So too we, when we face trials, need to recall what God has already done in our lives. One of the most vital lessons God has ever taught me is to remember how he and Jesus have helped me in my past trials. As I do so, I am better able to overcome my current trials, knowing that God and Jesus will help me now, just as they did in my past! Dear brothers and sisters, when we are anxious, let’s seek to recall the ways we have already seen God’s power and blessings at work, just as Jesus taught his disciples to do.
2. Jesus’ Sympathy for Our Sufferings
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering…. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 2:10, 17-18
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
We often forget that Jesus endured the same kinds of challenges we face, and he overcame them by the power and grace of God. Because he suffered, he understands our difficulties and has great compassion for us in our weaknesses and trials. Dear brothers and sisters, let’s go to God and Jesus in our temptations and trials, knowing that Jesus understands and will graciously give us all we need to endure and overcome.
*Watch the YouTube video about this article HERE.
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