Trials
One of my favorite points so far is when we talk about Joseph and how God always has a plan. Every obstacle Joseph faced just led him closer to the plan God had for his life. Knowing that nothing comes against us without the Lord’s knowledge of it before it happens, nails down how we need to trust Him when we would rather be offended.The Devil tries to destroy believers, but the Creator strengthens them in the faith and sets them ready for the main spiritual mission: to be a living witness and light in a world that is in anguish and spiritual darkness. Every trial and every suffering can help us develop our Christian perspective.Before glorification can take place, we will go through many trials. This is nothing new, just the truth of the matter. We live in a world that is plagued by sin, hardship, and evil. And as such, we will endure such things until Christ returns. However, in spite of such trials we are able to rejoice, for we know that our salvation is in Christ and not of this world. We rejoice for our inheritance is secured in heaven. We rejoice for we know the future will be a bright place, beyond the darkness of this world. Persecution will come and we are encouraged to remember the hope.
Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)
Anyone who has been to school knows what it means to be tested. But few understand that, spiritually speaking, the true purpose of a test is to see what you know.If you have accepted your assignment, studied the material and prepared properly, the result of the test is a foregone conclusion: you receive a reward in the form of a good grade and advancement. If you’re prepared, your trials provide you with an opportunity to “show your spiritual growth!”
Working through our tests from beginning to end is much easier when we understand that God has a purpose for our problems and trials.God understands that the process is as important as the result. That’s why He sometimes elects not to deliver us from certain situations.
The Lord gives us a precious promise in I Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation [test or trial] has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it”. ‘There are few experiences on earth that match the excitement of seeing God turn trials into triumph. But that transformation is a process, not an event.
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12) So though we all go through trials and trying times sometimes the learning we do from our detractors is more than what we learn from others agreeing with us. For me anyway this has happened.Sometimes God is even cutting things out of our lives, even some people. God knows your yesterdays and your tomorrows, he sees what is ahead for us all. When you have to say goodbye to people that are not good for your life, that is often the hardest to take. But knowing the Lord knows what is best for you and how it is best for you to be more fruitful, We must just accept that. I have had to say goodbye to many people I care about, But I also know that I am learning a lot more without certain people in my life.
We are all told we must all of us, who are born again, lead others to Christ. While we are furthering God’s kingdom, he is building our mansions in his house, as well as building our treasures up. Sadly I had to say goodbye to quite a few friends. I will forever pray for those I had to say goodbye to.
When God is pruning and shaping our lives he has to throw the weeds away, and cut the unfruitful parts of our lives off from us. Then as we know he fertilizes us with his word, we know pruned and weeded plants yeild more fruit or flowers, then we become the fruitful Christians he wants us to be. So trials are one thing we must praise God for. Each trial strengthens us and grows us, into who we are meant to be, for the growing of Gods kingdom.
Love your sister in Christ, PrayerWarrior/Tammy