Category Archives: Trials

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

When You Can’t See God Working

Posted on March 26, 2025 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 of the B-17s approached the city, the plane was struck by the shells … 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

God’s Perspective

Posted on March 19, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man was having a particularly intimate conversation with God by way of prayer. The man asked, “God, how long is a million years to you?” God answered, “It’s just like a second of time for you, My child.” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Belief, Commitment, Disappointment, Discernment, Discipleship, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Omnipotence, God's Timing, God's Guidance, God's Omniscience, God's Sovereignty, God's Will, Impatience, Money, Needs, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Prayer Requests, Problems, Prosperity, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

A Hard Truth

Posted on March 17, 2025 by russellmckinney

Samson was conceived in the womb of his previously barren mother. And why did God choose to open her womb at that time? It was because Israel needed a leader (a Judge) to deal with the Philistines. As is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Atheism, Belief, Bible Study, Death, Disappointment, Faith, God's Timing, Honesty, Patience, Perseverance, Personal, Prayer, Prayer Requests, Problems, Scripture, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A Different Way of Responding to False Accusations

Posted on February 19, 2025 by russellmckinney

How do you respond when someone accuses you falsely? I must confess that my first reaction is to rise to my defense, jump right back at the person, and go for the jugular with my comeback. For me, responding in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Character, Complaining, Criticism, Discipleship, Humility, Justice, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Revenge, Reward, The Tongue, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Self-Preservation & Jesus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by russellmckinney

A man interviewed for a job at a famous art gallery that housed dozens of priceless masterpieces. As part of the interview process, he was asked, “If a fire broke out in this gallery and you could only save one … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Brokenness, Commitment, Courage, Crucifixion, Death, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Extending Forgiveness, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Work, Human Life, Ministry, Missions, Obedience, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal Holiness, Preaching, Priorities, Problems, Prosperity, Revenge, Sacrifice, Sanctification, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Submission, Suffering, Trials, Truth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Hop of Faith

Posted on January 1, 2025 by russellmckinney

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Complaining, Current Events, Depression, Disappointment, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Omnipotence, God's Provision, God's Sovereignty, Needs, New Year, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A Profound Question

Posted on December 16, 2024 by russellmckinney

A missionary was once asked if he liked his work in Africa. His reply was as follows: Do I like this work? No. My wife and I do not like dirt. We have reasonably refined sensibilities. We do not like … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Children, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Dying To Self, Faithfulness, Giving, God's Will, God's Work, Love, Mercy, Ministry, Perseverance, Problems, Prosperity, Sacrifice, Service, Stewardship, Suffering, Sunday School, Trials, Witnessing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments