The Bible tells us many times that we will have to face trials.  It seems like when we recognize that we have encountered a trial such as a bad report from the doctor, a job loss, or any other circumstance that seems to blindside us, that who we are as Christians rises up and proclaims God's plan.  When we clearly see an attack of the enemy, we begin to fight back.  It is a natural reaction.  It's as if a war was declared against us and we draw our sword to defend ourselves and our homes.  We realize that it is a matter of survival.

During these times of trials we are focused on the goal, the victory, and our faith in God causes us to push through to the other side.  I find that the most difficult trials we encounter are not the ones I described above, but the ones that come more subtlely. 

Because these trials are so familiar and common in our lives, we do not raise up a standard against them, and we allow them to batter us until we are completely exhausted.  I see myself allowing things to get past the "trial" filter because they disguise themselves as "life".  I get discouraged with myself that I let these little things bother me because I should just be able to suck it up and accept that life is not perfect.  Life is not perfect, but it can be perfect according to God's plan.  I tend to feel condemnation when asking for "more" or for things to change.  There is a little [devil] voice inside me saying "Don't you already have enough?  You're so selfish!".  This causes me to accept the attack as "just a part of life" and suck it up. 

I see the effectiveness of this mentality in benefitting Satan's kingdom.  What we accept, we do not fight against.  Eventually, all that we have allowed to become a part of our lives begins reshaping and redirecting us, and soon we are defeated.  We begin to lose hope in the power of God to rescue us, and we allow the boat to sink.  We need to examine everything that comes and knocks at the doors of our life and see if it lines up with the word of God.  If it doesn't line up, then we need to fight.  We need to begin to proclaim God's word and His promises over our lives.  Psalm 30:5b says "Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."  God does allow trials to come our way, so that we may become mature in our walks, but His word says that they only last for a time.  We need to proclaim God's provision for us and resist every lie that Satan will try to bring. 

~God has already guaranteed us victory if we remain in Him.