As a "baby" Christian many years ago - new to the Lord, I was faced with some particularly challenging situations in my life.  I had prayed and could not understand why I could not get the breakthrough I was seeking in some areas.  I thought then that the weight of the world was upon my shoulders and that it was not possible for anyone else on this God created earth to be passing through what I was passing through.  I truly believed that my situation was "unique".  So the "whining" continued, like a baby.

     But, I continued to seek the face of the Lord and approached my pastor for spiritual counseling.  As I explained my version of what was happening in my life, I concluded that things were supposed to be easier - especially now that I had given myself to the Jesus Christ our Lord.  The expectation (as a "baby" Christian) that things would now be Rosy Street simply because I gave my heart to the Lord and was now a Born Again Child of God was about to be challenged.

     My pastor laughed and and asked me who had told me such a thing concerning the Christian walk.  She explanied that it is at such times that we must seek the face of God the more.  The verse she used to counsel me was Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.  The key word was "ALL".

     Now as a more mature Christian today,  this word came back to me this morning.  The word was resounding in my mind.  It really does not matter what you are going through, but it is very important that you know and understand that God delivers out of ALL situations and circumstances.  Thinking about this verse brought peace into my spirit - which is the calming effect the word of God should have in the life of any believer. 1 Thessalonians 3:3 reminds us  - That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

     It is necessary to endure the affliction because the testimony is sure and guaranteed.  2 Timothy 4:5 states - But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.  Quite simply, those times of pressure are not the times to give up on God.  They are not the time to stop walking worthy of the vocation to which God has called you. (as mentioned in Ephesians 4 verse 1).  It is a time you must resist the devil, who will be attempting to input negative data into your mind - It is a time you must come to an understanding that others do resist the same temptations and afflictions by faith.  1 Peter 5:9 states this to admonish us -  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

     You are not alone - Jesus is with you at every turn.  Victory is yours because God delivers out of ALL (not some) afflictions and your testimony is sure and guaranteed.  Jesus Christ encourages us in John 16:33 with the following word - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

     So remain in the faith and be in the camp of overcomers !!!

Amen