The Hardships Were Sent To Harden You

Throughout our lives, we will experience seasons of hardship.  It is, therefore, not wise for us to view life through the rose-tinted lenses that deceive us into thinking that everything will ALWAYS be pleasant for us, especially as born again believers in Christ the Messiah.  Right here is where sobriety of the mind is necessary in order to endure the afflictions we will--without a doubt--experience.  Sober thinking, furthermore, ensures that our souls (i.e. mind, will and emotions) PROPERLY process the trouble we experience.  When we appropriately handle hardship, the hardness we experience fulfills its purpose to bring forth THE BEST of us and not OUR WORST.  And with understanding of the order of righteousness, according to Romans 8:28, we are better able to see how GOD is indeed HELPING us by HARDENING us to difficulty.

If you would, take a look back over a season in your life that was hard for you to get through.  As much as you may hate to admit it, what you suffered most likely helped you in some way.  And as a result of enduring that as well as other hard seasons of your past, herein lies the good news: thanks to what you've been through, the challenges to come won't even phase you!  Because you know it was GOD who brought you through the past hardships, you can trust and believe that He will bring you through whatever trouble comes your way next.  And why is that?  Because every hard thing you overcome toughens you to face the adversary's forthcoming attempts to defeat you.

Hearing For the Here And Now

The Word of GOD enlarges your capacity, changes the direction in which you are walking, and alters the rest of your life.  Therefore, be very attentive because GOD is always speaking by His Spirit.  The Word He shares is designed to bring a manifestation of His glory (or presence) in your life, so don't miss it.

By only looking in the scriptures for what GOD is saying may result in you missing the Rhema Word you need right where you are.  That Word may come through an advertisement, a stranger's encouraging words or even a note from a young child (among many other avenues).  Your surroundings are most likely filled with heavenly correspondence, but your level of consciousness may be too low to receive these messages from GOD.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of GOD (according to Romans 10:17).  So yes, you need to know the Word.  Continue to read the Bible, studying to yourself approved a workman who need not be ashamed (see 2 Timothy 2:15).  But herein lies the difference: don't study to MEMORIZE but rather study to UNDERSTAND.  The key to "hearing by the Word of GOD" is letting the scriptures be the filter through which EVERYTHING you hear passes.