RELIEF IN REFUGE

Answer me when I call to You,

O my righteous God.

Give me relief from my distress;

be merciful to me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 4.1

Distresses awaken us to our needs and weaknesses, to the dangers of this world's temptations and the powers of evil.

James 1. 2 tells us that the experience of "temptation" (test, trial that exposes weakness) is the first step toward mature, substantial spiritual development in holiness and righteousness.

1 Peter 1.6 tells us that these "trials" bring grief, but he goes on to say that trials are used by God to "refine" our faith so that we glorify Jesus Christ.

The "trials that bring grief" are listed by Paul in Romans 8.31-29. These kinds of trials are what God uses to produce good in our lives.

Romans 8.29-30 tell us that God's goodness in our trials leads us through a seven step process resulting in our glorification with Him in His eternal kingdom.

Romans 5.1-5 tells us that our faith releases God's grace that takes us through sufferings and leads us through the processes whereby the Holy Spirit floods our hearts with the love of God.

2 Peter 1.2-11 tells us that God has g

iven us incredible promises that empower us to escape the corruption of this world. These promises lead us through eight steps that fill us with the love of God and present us before the throne of God with a rich welcome into His eternal kingdom.

Contd. as "Grace Transforms Trials."