Category Archives: Trials

The “Others”

Posted on April 2, 2018 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

What Satan Did to Paul: A Thorn in the Flesh

Posted on March 15, 2018 by russellmckinney

“The Wiles of the Devil” series (post #13) And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Angels, Commitment, Demons, Discernment, Faith, Grace, Humility, Persecution, Prayer Requests, Problems, Satan, Series: "The Wiles of the Devil", Sickness, Spiritual Warfare, Suffering, Temptation, The Devil, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What Satan Did to Peter: Sifting

Posted on March 7, 2018 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 , , , , , , | 8 Comments

What Satan Did to Job: Devastation

Posted on February 19, 2018 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

Did Jesus Help the Eagles Win the Super Bowl?

Posted on February 8, 2018 by russellmckinney

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots 41-33 in last Sunday’s Super Bowl. While that result was a bit of an upset, what stood out to me most about the game was the inordinate amount of “Jesus talk” the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Desires, Disappointment, Evangelism, God's Will, God's Work, Human Life, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Prosperity, Sports, Suffering, The Holy Spirit, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Best Position for Praying

Posted on November 30, 2017 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 October 25, 2017 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 October 23, 2017 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 , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lessons from Habakkuk

Posted on October 20, 2017 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

When You Can’t See God Working

Posted on October 18, 2017 by russellmckinney

In his book Looking On the Heart, Dale Ralph Davis relays the story of a B-17 bombing run over a German city during World War II. As one plane approached the city, it was struck by Nazi anti-aircraft flak. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Belief, Comfort, Depression, Disappointment, Doing Good, Doubt, Encouragement, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Omnipresence, God's Timing, God's Provision, God's Will, God's Work, Grace, Impatience, Needs, Patience, Perseverance, Prayer Requests, Problems, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment