Read: Luke 22: 31-32 "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." - Philippians 1:14
So often we view negative issues in our life as obstacles, when they are actually designed by God as blessings in disguise. When people come to Christ they believe that life will now turn into a sweet scented rose garden. Well, it does…but they are forgetting about the thorns! Jesus warned us that as long as we live in this world, we will experience troubles and dangers (John 16:33). However, He did not leave us alone or hopelessly lost in depression. He also stated, "But be of good cheer! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). He won the war, so that we can enjoy the victory.
Just look at some of the Biblical characters as examples. Every one of them had trials and tribulation. Job wins the prize for the most persecuted man in history. However, many people overlook the fact that in the last half of Job’s life, God blessed him with increased wealth, family and goods that exceeded what he lost during his trials.
Paul was beaten, jailed, hunted, stoned, shipwrecked and lost at sea (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). Paul endured his troubles by changing his focus from his miserable conditions to God’s promises (Romans 8:18). He was so blessed by doing this that he actually sang in jail! Paul’s life shows us that God uses our attitude during our trials as examples and an encouragement to others who suffer in this life (Philippians 1:14).
Jesus told Peter this same thing, when Satan wanted to sift him like wheat (Luke 22: 31-32). You probably know people whose lives are a testimony to the power of God in spite of their circumstances. Their faith in and love for God barely waiver in the face of debilitating difficulties.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery to get rid of him; but God used their malevolent behavior to bring Him glory, to bless Joseph’s family and for Joseph’s good. The Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did all throughout his life (Genesis 39).
Some people mistakenly believe that God promises never to give us more trials than we can bear. They quote 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 when they say this. But if you actually look at the words in these verses, the word is temptations, not trials. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
God does promise, however, never to give us more trials than HE can bear (John 16:33). So, do not be discouraged when you encounter difficulties. Life is full of them. We are either in a trial, just finished with one or are about to go into one. When we pray, God removes some of our trials like mountains crumbling into the sea. However, God uses other complications to test our faith, to strengthen us for future trials or to prove that His grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for using our trials to make us stronger, to increase our faith and to draw us closer to You. Shine Your light through our life. This way people will glorify You, when they see us trust in You with a positive attitude and Godly behavior in spite of our unbearable circumstances (Matthew 5:16). Thought for the Day:
View your trials as opportunities to bring glory to God.
