Seven Words That The Flesh Hates 7 - TRIALS

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials," (James 1:2)

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

God allows trials in our lives. Trials cause unpleasant experiences in our lives and can be devastating. In Job 1:8, we read
"Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
Job was certainly a righteous man who feared God but he went through the most horrendous experience. He lost his children and his property and his health was attacked but eventually the trial passed and he had everything and much more restored.

"The purpose of trials is to refine our lives and leave us with a purer, stronger faith, as well as a character that God can bless and use." (crosswalk.com)

The passages above state that we should not regard trials as strange phenomena rather we should count it all joy when we face them. We do not rejoice in the pain and discomfort but we express joy at the outcome - conformity to the image of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The outcome of our trials will be spiritual growth if we fix our eyes on Jesus and do not give up. Trials refine us like gold.

I don't think most Christians would call upon God for trials and that is understandable. Yet the reality of the matter is that trials will come our way - when and where we cannot say but God who is faithful will see us through in Jesus' Name. God said in His Word,

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

The early Christians including the apostles faced trials. Apostle Paul speaking about his trials wrote
"You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; " (Acts 20:18-19)
Jesus Himself faced trials. He commended His disciples for staying with Him though His trials, "You are those who have stayed with me in my trials," (Luke 22:28, ESV)

How do we ensure that we emerge from trials purified? We fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) because in Him we have the victory. He understands what we are going through, much better than us. He has a plan and a purpose for the trial(s) and you can rest assured that as He walks with you through the trial, you would be better for it. In Psalm 30:5, the Bible says, "...Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." Joy is coming your way, my brother and my sister. Hold on tight, do not let go for God is with you. God is preparing you for higher heights in the ministry He has called you to so that you will minister in the power of the Holy Ghost. All is well in the Lord.

May the good Lord give you understanding of His Word and may you be an instrument of blessings in His hands through your trials which will definitely come to an end one day. Have a wonderfully blessed day.