Maintaining a positive attitude is not always easy especially when you are going through fiery trials.
Recently I was speaking to a lady who was complaining about all the bad things that life was throwing at her.
She said that nothing she tried seemed to work out successfully and it seemed as if something terrible always happened to her.
When I tried to encourage her to pray and allow God to lead her in the right direction, she said that God is not answering her prayers and He seemed to be taking everything away from her.
She was the second person in the past month who complained that God had forgotten them.
I asked myself how do you respond to someone who appeared to give up on God?
What words of comfort can you tell them?
I tried to explain to these individuals that I did not have an easy life. I went through hardships and countless disappointments but I still return to God for His help.
However, my life experience did not seem to help because they continued to complain woefully.
After I parted company with the lady, the Lord reminded me that this is exactly how the devil wants us to speak so that he will continue to use our negative words against us.
The more you complain about your problems the more troubles and unnecessary accidents the devil will throw your way.
The prince of the power of the air
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Ephesians 2:2)
Since Satan is the prince of the power of the air it means that his power to control or influence humans is more potent in this realm.
The devil listened keenly to your conversation and he can detect fear, loneliness, heartaches, and whatever emotions that you are feeling and then he used those feelings against you by adding to or escalating the problems.
For example, one day a friend of mine asked me if my ten-year-old Suzuki Jimny was giving me any problems.
I told him that it was not and I am hoping it will remain that way because I did not intend to change it until my son finished college in four years.
Not more than two days after I spoke those words the car overheated and broke down on the hill while I was returning home from work.
Since then the car has developed multiple issues.
Some people might think that this was coincidental but I believe that the enemy detected fear in my voice when I spoke those words to my friend.
He immediately sensed that I was fearful that my car would break down at the time when all my financial resources were focused on my son’s college education.
Hence, he used that fear against me. But, do you know what the Lord told me?
The Lord said that I should use this opportunity to look for a brand new car because nothing was impossible with Him.
I could have wallowed in self-pity and complained that I have no money to purchase a new car.
Instead, the Lord told me to praise Him for a new car.
This is the key!
Praise!
Instead of worrying and grumbling about your lack, simply praise the Lord.
Thus, I began to thank the Lord for providing a new car for me.
These simple acts of praise and thanksgiving will drive the devil away because you are not partaking in the glut of despair that he wants you wallow in.
Be Joyful during trials
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:2-5)
The above scripture is difficult to appreciate because no one is happy during trials and persecutions. You will feel emotionally distressed during these times.
The important thing is that you do not dwell in a state of depression or unhappiness. Instead, allow the Lord to comfort you in His Word.
It is best to be still during these difficult times and listen to the voice of God as He comforts and strengthens you.
If you persist in grumbling you will never hear the voice of the Lord and the enemy will thrive on your negative attitude.
Remember that God did not single you out to punish you excessively.
Every single person will face troubles because we are living in a sinful world where Satan has erected his kingdom to fight against the people of God.
But the Lord will turn every bad situation that you face into good for you.
He allowed the temptations or trials to give you patience but you must be still and allow the Lord to do this miraculous work of endurance in your life because this is how the Lord will make you perfectly complete in Him.
When you refuse to give in to the devil’s desires, he will flee from you.
You will need the wisdom of God to understand how to allow your spirit to be joyful during temptations so seek the Lord for wisdom because He will give it to you liberally.
Final word
Whatever negative situations that you are facing, do not succumb to the pattern of behavior that the devil is expecting.
Instead, do the opposite and watch God work on your behalf.
Your compliance with the Lord and your sacrifice of thanksgiving during trials are your weapons to resist the devil and he will flee from you. (See James 4:7).
Never forget that Satan is roaming in the atmosphere with spiritual antennas that can pick up any negative vibes that radiate from you and then he amplifies them to keep you in a mental state of anguish and defeat.
Note that the final plague from the seventh angel’s bowl was poured out in the air or atmosphere and not on the earth because he was pouring the wrath of God upon Satan and his kingdom who dominate the air (See Revelation 16:17).
Be wise and always speak positive words especially during trials.
Thank you for reading and may the Lord keep you sheltered during the storms of life.
Additional reading
Introducing Harm Not The Oil and Wine (Protection of the oil and wine)
Becoming the Oil and the Wine 
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