Trials come in all shapes and sizes, in any season of life. If we are honest, we’d never ask for most of them, would we? But, what do we do when the trials do come and we have no other option than to live through them?
I want to start by saying trials are not always a result of sin. Trials do not mean you aren’t saved.
“That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matthew 5:45 KJV
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV
We have MANY examples in Scripture to prove that trials and troubles come to us all at some point. There are false teachers that proclaim health and wealth if you’re in the will of God. Please don’t fall into this foolishness. Hebrews chapter 11 speaks of several people who endured many things for the cause of Christ. Jesus Himself endured the cross for you and for me; all in the will of the Father.
Now that we understand trials are apart of this life, my question to you is this: How do you handle them when they come?
You see, we have several options. We can quit going to church, quit praying, quit reading our Bible, and quit witnessing. We can grumble and groan and complain through it all. Or we can say as Paul said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 KJV
When is the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial? I don’t know about you, but praise isn’t usually pouring out of my lips when I am hurting or struggling! I’m focused on praying myself out rather than being thankful. But that’s the will of God. For us to praise and worship Him in ALL seasons and stages of life. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
Trials are not a waste of time. God is not just trying to make you miserable. He wants to grow you. To mature you spiritually and to allow you to know Him better. What more could we ask for than the presence of God? Trials are an opportunity to shift our focus back to God, to remember His power and love for us, to see Him work in and through us, and to have close fellowship with Him.
Many of us drift a little and let other things come between us and God when things are going well, don’t we? There’s times I feel like the Israelites. Close to God, far from God; doing right, setting up idols. Back and forth it goes. This isn’t what God wants for us. He is not the one moving. If you feel far from Him, it’s because you have moved. The good news is, you can come back to Him!
In my life, seasons of trials have led me to fast. I don’t always understand why, God doesn’t usually say for how long, He just prompts me to fast. Sometimes it’s fasting from everything except water, other times it’s only sugar, social media, or coffee. How loving is God that He gives us those gentle nudges to lead us right back to Himself! He could leave me to my idols and sin, but He doesn’t. Not for long anyway. He WANTS fellowship with you!
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 KJV
“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” James 4:8 KJV
So many invitations from God to us! I pray that you do not ignore them. Please don’t buy into the lie that you’re too far from God to come back to Him or that He doesn’t want a relationship with you. He does! He’s waiting for you to come to Him today! Don’t wait!
If you’re in a trial, take this opportunity to get close to God again. Spend more time in prayer and in your Bible. If God leads you to fast or to change something in your life, surrender. Just trust Him. These things aren’t always pleasant, but they’re for our good and His glory.
“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.” James 1:2-4 KJV
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 KJV
With Hope In His Service
Heather
Proverbs_31Life 