When we go through some form of tribulation in our life, we
panic, wondering where God is, and why He is allowing us to experience more
than we can bear. Fear seeps into the depths of our soul. At times, we even cry
out to God with accusations and angry words (Psalm 109:1-3). God
already knows the feelings in our heart and the thoughts in our mind, so
expressing our anger honestly, but respectfully, is only telling God what He
already knows.
Contrary to popular teaching, God never promises to give us
only the trials, which we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). However,
our trials are never more than Christ in us can bear. God uses our trails for
our good. They are God’s pruning shears, which allow more of His Spirit’s fruit
to grow in our life (John 15:2). God also gives us trials in
order to prove that our faith in His faithfulness will endure to the end of
this church age (James 1:2-4). Tribulation provides us with
steppingstones toward our maturity in Christ.
Satan tries to distract us from our walk with Christ by
piling on the trauma and disappointments in order to sidetrack us from
fulfilling God’s will for our life. He uses circumstances to divert us from the
leading of God’s Spirit through each moment of our day. He attempts to arouse
our anger toward God for letting us down. However, trials are actually
adventures, because we hop from one undertaking to another.
Christ is our guide, and God’s Spirit as our comforter (John
14:26). In fact, we find that we can actually bear all things
through Christ, because He dwells in us (Philippians 4:13). God also
uses tribulation to produce determination and perseverance in our character.
Then, the more we persevere, the more our Godly character is proven. This gives
us hope, because we feel the love of God, which is poured out into our heart by
God’s Holy Spirit who dwells within us (Romans 5:3-5).
If we empty our soul of negative emotions by pouring them
out in the pages of our journal, or into the ear of God, then we will be less
likely to pour them out on our family, coworkers or friends. If we would only
take the time to notice, we can then turn our words into songs of praise for
all that God already provided for us (Psalm 109:26,30). A bed
to sleep in, a blanket for warmth, water to drink, air to breathe, a body that still
works and nature to enjoy are just some of His bounty, which enables us to live
in hope.
Prayer:
Father God, do not allow us to lose hope, or to give up
just before we reach the mark to win the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus (Philippians 3:14). There are so many things we take for granted that
both You and our loved ones do for us each day. Instead, let us express words
of appreciation and thanksgiving to You with our every waking breath. Open our
eyes to see Your purposes in our trials. Use the fire of these trials to burn
the dross out of our life (1 Peter 1:7). I want to pour my heart out to
You, because I know you care about me (1 Peter 5:7). Teach
me to trust in You at all times (Psalm 62:8).
Thought for the Day:
God’s love gives us hope, which fills our life
with joy.
