Trials will come in our lives regardless of our race, sex, class, status, religion or creed. In fact, trials will come in our lives through depression, sickness and death. They will also come in our lives through a storm, war and pandemic. In our Wednesday Night Bible Study at First Timothy Baptist Church on February 7, the critical question was: How can we conquer trials in our lives?

Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, Dr. Ronald Holmes’ message highlighted three key points on how we can conquer trials in our lives? They included our having (1) a joyful attitude (2) a positive mindset and (3) a believing heart. Dr. Holmes said that if we are going to conquer trials, we must learn how to “hold out until our change comes” as sang by Reverend James Cleveland. We must learn how to develop patience and “calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17). We must learn to rely on the word of God to help us conquer and endure trials and tribulations. The word says in James 1:2, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” In other words, when we encounter trials and temptations such as depression, sickness, and death, maintain a joyful attitude. Through God, nothing is impossible for him (Luke 1:37). He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

In point two, Dr Holmes said we must have faith and possess a positive mindset when trials come in our lives. The bible provides an example of this in Philippians 4:8, said Holmes.  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” In other words, “Calleth those things which be not as though they were” (Romans 4:17). Resemble the African slaves who were the epitome of having a positive mindset, patience, diligence and perseverance during difficult and painful living situations. They fit the scripture of Romans 5:3 as it reads, “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”

For point three, Dr. Holmes said we must have a believing heart to conquer trials in our lives. In essence, we must listen to the promise of a believing heart as written in James 1:12: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” We must listen to the promise of a believing heart as written in Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” We must listen to the promise of a believing heart as written in Colossians 3:23. “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

 Wednesday’s bible study lesson on February 21 @ 7:00pm – 8:00pm is, “The Tulsa Story! Revive Us Again from the book, “Beyond the Sunday Sermon”. The book can be purchased online from Amazon.com. To virtually attend the bible study go to the First Timothy Baptist Church’s website, YouTube or Facebook.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 26 books and publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper. His books for children cover topics such as the coronavirus, solar system, flowers, careers and school bullying.  His books for adults focus on religion, hazing, workplace bullying, bipolar disorders, issues in education and completing the dissertation.