Our
trials have far-reaching effects; some that we never realized could happen, and
some we will never know about until we get to heaven. Our attitude in them and
through them will inspire other people in their walk with the Lord (Philippians
1:14).
Trials
are not really obstacles, but opportunities to have faith in God's
faithfulness, and to uncover the seed for a miracle, which He plants within
each issue that we face. They are truly blessings in disguise.
Our
new life in Christ is a bed full of sweet smelling roses, but each stem of our
walk is full of prickly thorns. Jesus exhorted us to expect tribulation in this
world, but to be encouraged, because His presence in us helps us to overcome.
Jesus
already overcame the world (John 16:33). His power and wisdom see us through
every negative incident. Even Job received multiple blessings that far
surpassed the horrid trials that he experienced.
The
dear apostle Paul suffered shipwreck, beatings, jail cells, pursuit by
persecutors who wanted to end his life, abuse, etc. (2 Corinthians 11:24-25).
Paul endured his troubles by changing his focus from his miserable conditions
to God’s promises (Romans 8:18).
Paul
learned the secret of rejoicing through His tribulation. He even sang praises
to God while chained in a Roman prison (Acts 16:16-40). His faith in and love
for God barely waivered in the face of debilitating difficulties. He learned
abiding contentment (Philippians 4:11-12).
Prayer:
Father
God, Your Word teaches us that after Satan attempted to sift Peter like wheat,
he would be able to strengthen the church by his testimony and the lessons he
learned (Luke 22:31-32). Thank You for helping us to shift our focus from our
trial to our testimony. We all know people whose lives are a witness to Your power
in spite of their troubles.
Help
us to change our attitude and our focus from the events in our life to Your
provision in spite of them. We do not want our faith in You or our love for You
to waiver in the face of difficulties. Teach us not to be discouraged when we
encounter difficulties, because You use complications to test our faith, to
strengthen us for future trials, and to prove that Your grace is sufficient to
sustain us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Thought
for the Day:
Some
people mistakenly believe that God promises never to give us more trials than
we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:12-13); however, this promise actually refers to
temptations; God will allow us to experience overwhelming trials that force us
to run to Him for our deliverance (John 16:33).
