Jesus promised that as long as we live in this world, we will experience trials
and trauma (John 16:33). That is not a very comforting thought or popular
comment, but it is certainly true.
In
the same sentence, Jesus explained that He mentioned this fact of constant
troubles and sorrows in this sin-cursed world, so that we would live in peace
through every one of them, knowing that He has us covered by His blood and His
love.
He
also encouraged us not to allow tribulation to overwhelm us, because He already
overcame the world, and He is our constant companion and abides within us (Colossians
1:27). However, we still ignore God's directives.
We
choose to walk in our own plans, goals and desires instead of walking in HIS
will. Therefore, we reap what we sow. If we sow to the flesh, we reap
corruption (Galatians 6:8). Only as we obey the Spirit can we reap blessings.
God's
plans help us to be more efficient, to save time and money, to have more joy
and peace and fewer trials and trauma, to enjoy His continual blessings, and to
have intimate fellowship with Him every single moment of the day.
People
think that 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God will not test us more than we are
able to bear. Then they get angry with God when they experience trials that are
too difficult for them. Many walk away from God because He did not change the
circumstances.
This
verse actually states, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is
common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond
what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,
that you may be able to bear it."
We
can escape temptations by the way God provides (1 Corinthians 10:13); however, we
endure trials and tribulation by God's grace and His Holy Spirit's comfort and
direction through each one of them (John 16:7).
Prayer:
Father
God, You are our strong tower and our mighty fortress during our trials. You give
us the ability to escape temptations; but You usually allow us to experience
more trials in life than we can handle. More than we can endure, but not more
than Christ in us can overcome. You allow trials to teach us that we can do all
things only through Him (Philippians 4:13).
No
amount of money, marital partners, success or status can change the fact that
we will all have issues in this life. However, You also encourage us to put on Your
armor to protect our vital spiritual organs as we go into spiritual battle
(Ephesians 6:11-18). Teach us how to stand in spiritual warfare (Ephesians
6:13); and help us to remember that when life is empty, You fill it, and when
it is chaotic, You give us Your peace.
Thought
for the Day:
Even
though the evidence is against us, we learn to see things by faith rather than
by sight, because God provides our strength, and wants us to rely on Him at all
times; then, as we overcome life’s hardships through Christ in us, our faith
grows, and God works out all things for our good in His timing and way.
-
Hebrews 11:1; Romans 8:28.
