Category Archives: Trials

What Satan Did to Peter: Sifting

Posted on September 10, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #11) And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31, N.K.J.V.) The Jews of ancient Israel were well acquainted with sifting. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, God's Sovereignty, God's Work, Influence, Ministry, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Service, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Satan Did to Job: Devastation

Posted on August 25, 2025 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #4) The method Satan used to get Job was sadistically lethal. It decimated Job’s wealth, family, health, relationship with his wife, relationship with his friends, and reputation in the community. It took Job … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Demons, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Omnipresence, Persecution, Prayer Requests, Problems, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The 10 Times Israel Tested God

Posted on June 13, 2025 by russellmckinney

Most people have heard about the ten plagues with which God struck Egypt to break Pharaoh’s will and cause him to release the Israelites from their enslavement (Exodus chapters 7 through 12). Far less known are the ten times the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Contentment, Desires, Faith, God's Provision, The Tongue, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The “Others”

Posted on May 16, 2025 by russellmckinney

Hebrews 11:1-40 is the Bible’s famous “hall of faith” passage. It cites example after example of Old Testament characters who “by faith” did extraordinary things and received extraordinary blessings and deliverances. And the list of victories is certainly impressive. By … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Commitment, Courage, Disappointment, Doing Good, Eternity, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Will, Heaven, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Resurrection, Reward, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walking in the Midst of the Fire

Posted on May 9, 2025 by russellmckinney

And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Commitment, Complaining, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Doubt, Faith, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Chastening, God's Omnipresence, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Work, Human Life, Persecution, Perseverance, Problems, Restoration, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Easter Bells

Posted on April 19, 2025 by russellmckinney

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Christ's Resurrection, Church, Church Attendance, Depression, Easter, Eternity, Fear, Joy, Praise, Problems, Resurrection, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Best Position for Praying

Posted on April 12, 2025 by russellmckinney

Three ministers were engaged in a conversation on the subject of prayer. Naturally, they all agreed that prayer was vital, but the debate was about which bodily position works best for praying. As they commented back and forth, a telephone … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Fear, Needs, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Very Real Problem of Fear

Posted on April 2, 2025 by russellmckinney

One hot day in July, a farmer sat lazily on the porch of his shack, whittling on a piece of wood. A neighbor dropped by for a visit and asked him, “Did you get your cotton harvested yet?” Without looking … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Belief, Comfort, Courage, Death, Doubt, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Inner Peace, Needs, Problems, Sickness, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Failed Lately?

Posted on March 31, 2025 by russellmckinney

When Tonya and I were raising our two sons, we didn’t want either of them to have any problems in life. We wanted them to enjoy perfect health. We wanted them to be the most popular kids at their schools. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Business, Character, Children, Disappointment, Divorce, Divorce & Remarriage, Encouragement, God's Work, Humility, Individuality, Ministry, Perseverance, Personal, Pride, Problems, Prosperity, Service, Trials | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lessons from Habakkuk

Posted on March 28, 2025 by russellmckinney

The Old Testament book of the prophet Habakkuk isn’t one that often gets preached. But that doesn’t mean that it won’t “preach.” This is evidenced by the fact that it is quoted multiple times in the New Testament. The apostle … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Backsliding, Belief, Coming Judgment, Complaining, Disappointment, Disobedience, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Chastening, God's Omnipotence, God's Timing, God's Judgment, God's Sovereignty, Impatience, Patience, Persecution, Perseverance, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment