Trials come to build us up for greater glory. It is in the midst of trial that we need the anointing of God. When we are stunted in the spirit, we may end up acting out of our flesh which exhorts our human desires. We need God’s wisdom.

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise us and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.” Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:23-31)

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:12-16)

How to be focused:

1. Stay God-centered.

Acts 4:24 tells us that when the Early Church was being persecuted, the people remained focused on God.

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

Nothing is too difficult for our God.

2. Stay united in prayer.

Personal prayer is powerful, but corporate prayer is even more powerful.

Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

3. Overcome intimidation with spiritual boldness.

Acts 4:31 tells us that when the members of the Early Church prayed together, the place where they were praying was shaken and the power of God moved powerfully. God will shake us out of our comfort zones in order to bring a new level of anointing.

The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” (1 Samuel 16:1)

Even those who are mentally or emotionally strong can become spiritually traumatized like Samuel in the verse above. The quicker we can humble ourselves, release our expectations to God, and agree to follow His plan, the faster we can move forward.

Once we receive God’s fresh anointing we need to move towards glory. For anointing flows only when we are in motion, particularly moving forward by following Him.