Category Archives: Trials

Persistence

Posted on October 11, 2023 by russellmckinney

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9, N.K.J.V.) At 10:30 one night, a little girl called out from her bed, “Mommy, will you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Character, Choices, Commitment, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Work, Impatience, Marriage, Parenting, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Temptation, Trials, Work | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Don’t Let Yourself Be Stopped

Posted on October 2, 2023 by russellmckinney

A missionary society in South Africa wrote to David Livingstone, the legendary Scottish missionary who blazed trails in Africa for over thirty years. The letter read: Have you found a good road to where you are? If not, we want … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Commitment, Confession, Courage, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faithfulness, God's Work, Leadership, Ministry, Missions, Pastors, Persecution, Perseverance, Priorities, Problems, Repentance, Service, Suffering, Trials | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Good Versus Best

Posted on September 27, 2023 by russellmckinney

It’s easy to understand that “bad” is the enemy of “good.” But have you ever considered that “good” is the enemy of “best”? Abraham thought of Ishmael as a good blessing, but God wouldn’t stop talking about Isaac as the best blessing (Genesis 17:15-22; … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Encouragement, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Patience, Perseverance, Problems, Temptation, Trials, Waiting | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Ball’s in Your Court, God”

Posted on September 25, 2023 by russellmckinney

Anyone familiar with tennis, ping-pong, or volleyball understands the words, “The ball’s in your court.” If I speak these words to my playing partner, it means that the match cannot continue until he hits the ball back to me. Thus, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Discipleship, Faith, God's Love, God's Timing, God's Will, Impatience, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Waiting, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Lynched by Mistake

Posted on September 1, 2023 by russellmckinney

In one Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is lying in bed talking to Snoopy, who’s lying atop the covers at Charlie’s feet. Charlie says, “Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Is life a multiple choice test or is … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Choices, Discernment, Faith, Family, Fatherhood, Fear, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Husbands, Obedience, Parenting, Personal, Prayer, Problems, Submission, Trials, Trusting In God, Work, Worry, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Humility Through Character-Building Experiences

Posted on August 23, 2023 by russellmckinney

The noted preacher and author Chuck Swindoll tells of a man who won a plaque for being the most humble man on earth. The man took the plaque home and placed it prominently on the mantle in his living room. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Complaining, Disappointment, Faithfulness, God's Omniscience, Humility, Persecution, Perseverance, Personal, Personal Holiness, Pride, Problems, Sickness, Suffering, Trials, Trusting In God | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

How to Defeat Your Amalekites

Posted on August 16, 2023 by russellmckinney

In Exodus 17:8-16, we find the wonderful story of Israel’s defeat of the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe who were descendants of Esau. The trouble began when the Amalekites launched a sneak attack against the Israelites. 1 Samuel 15:2 calls it … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Depression, Disappointment, Encouragement, Friendship, God's Work, Intercessory Prayer, Loneliness, Ministry, Needs, Perseverance, Problems, Service, Spiritual Warfare, Trials, War | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Just Do Your Best TODAY

Posted on August 7, 2023 by russellmckinney

I’d like to use this post to offer some good thoughts from a couple of well-known Independent Baptist preachers who have gone on to be with the Lord. The first one comes from Tom Malone. After quoting Deuteronomy 33:25, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Aging, Attitude, Commitment, Contentment, Depression, Desires, Doing Good, Encouragement, Faithfulness, Perseverance, Personal, Problems, Service, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

How to Handle a Bad Inning

Posted on August 4, 2023 by russellmckinney

At a Little League game, the visiting team had already scored 21 runs and was still batting in the top of the first inning. The mother of the boy playing the position of right fielder began to worry that such … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Attitude, Belief, Christ's Birth, Disappointment, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Will, Perseverance, Problems, Trials, Trusting In God, Worry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh?

Posted on July 19, 2023 by russellmckinney

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 be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I … Continue reading →

Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Demons, Problems, Satan, Spiritual Warfare, The Devil, Trials | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment