Friday Fight 198: Asset Focused Mindset

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF198.

We all experience struggles and times when our faith is tested. We feel pain and confusion as we try to make sense of everything seemingly going wrong. In times like this, we feel a heaviness while waiting for things to change and our struggles to finally cease. What can we learn about ourselves during these times, and what is God trying to show us during our confusion?

Asset Focused Mindset:

We all have times when we either stepped forward in faith or remained frozen in fear. It does not necessarily have to be in all areas of our lives, perhaps only one. Our reaction to trials reveals much about our faith and trust in Christ. Through these different trials, we learn life lessons, gain knowledge about people, and develop helpful characteristics when facing future struggles. Trials reveal areas of our faith that are developed and identify the areas we still lack. Turmoil is not eternal, but God's love is. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman who walks beside us, gently guiding us when things make no sense. It is not the instability around us that causes us to feel like we are sinking; it is our lack of faith in these areas. It could be with our finances, relationships, or future living arrangements. Where is our mindset when trials pass? Are we reflecting on areas in which we are not entirely trusting Him? Let's look at past struggles and see if we can determine where discrepancies are between what we have given to God and what we stubbornly carried.

A friend recently shared how her family was in a tough financial spot, as many are today. Already dealing with unexpected bills and a high cost of living, she found her family faced with back-to-back extensive vehicle repairs. Anxious thoughts and panic started to flood in, but God quickly spoke to her heart and reminded her of all the times He had not forsaken her and always provided a way. Soon after, unexpected money started to appear in the mailbox. Her family received work raises, random backpay, and even refunds from old trash providers. The timing was remarkable. God provided in her time of need, just as He always had. Only through the prompting of the Holy Spirit in reflecting on past struggles was she able to see God's provision over each scenario.

This is a good time for us to reflect on the verse Proverbs 27:17, which says, "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” This verse reminds us that we are better together when we hold each other accountable according to God's Word, pray together, and, in moments like this, remind each other of the love and grace of God. How could her faith have grown without her looking back and genuinely seeing His provisions through each trial in her past? How many hardships must God bring us through for us to fully trust and hand over every aspect of our life to Him? God is always there and always will be.

One way to address the areas of faith that aren't as developed is to focus on what God has done, not what we believe He is not doing. God is always working in every area and situation in our lives, but to see this and allow it to grow our faith means a change in perspective. Constantly focusing on where God is working and moving while being thankful for all He has done helps shape our spiritual perspective. As we grow and this develops, our faith grows, and we become more stable when future turmoil arises.

Please encourage someone today by sharing where God is working in your life. To help shift our spiritual perspective, share a trial you endured and how God brought you through it. Ask a friend about the last few prayers God answered and discuss His mercy. Reflecting on what God has brought us through in the past helps to grow our faith in the things we struggle to surrender. Remember, our God is far greater than any earthly problem we have.

Pastor Shannon

River Church