-Source Unknown
Anyone who says that the Christian life is a bed of roses is nothing more than a liar. The fact that life is not fair is still very real for people of faith. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike.
Jesus Himself came into this world and was rejected by His own people. Jesus was given a mockery of a trial and then sentenced to death. He was severely beaten and scourged. Roman soldiers mocked Him, beat Him some more and drove a crown of thorns into His scalp. Jesus was forced to carry His own cross through a jeering mob to the place where He would be executed. Jesus was nailed to the cross and died on a garbage heap. Life is not fair!
On the third day, the stone rolled away from the tomb, Jesus was raised from the dead and lives to show us a simple truth. Life is not fair; but God is good. Here are five things to keep in mind about trials:
1. Trials are a short term reality (1 Peter 1:6-7)
The difficulties that we face in life are short term realities because our existence is not mortal but eternal. This life is not the end but a stepping stone for eternity.
2. Trials can lead us to greater blessings (James 1:12)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. Standing up for God in the middle of life’s heart aches and heart breaks leads us to a great reward.
3. Trials give us proper perspective (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
If this life were nothing but good there would be no desire for heaven. Paul tells us that this life may be fading away but eternity is drawing closer. Each day we live, we get closer to the day we will stand before Jesus.
4. Trials can help us experience God’s presence (Psalm 27:5-6)
God gives us His divine presence in the midst of trials and difficulties to send us a clear message. When we go through hard times we never go through them alone.
5. Trials help us to look forward to heaven (Romans 8:18)
One day we will reach the shores of heaven and see Jesus face to face. Every difficulty and trial will simply melt away in the light of eternity. We are not living for today but instead we are living for that day when we stand in the presence of Jesus.
The Bible tells us that God is at work in all things (Romans 8:28). There is absolutely nothing that escapes His attention or comes without His divine care. Also, God gives strength in every situation (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
God knows our every need and graciously supplies everything that we need to make it through the trials of life. There is no situation too hard, no time when He forgets and no problem too great that His grace cannot help you through. Finally, Jesus has defeated the power of trials (John 16:33).
In conclusion, Jesus gives us security in an insecure world. He is the one who helps us overcome the troubles of the world. Jesus gives us His calm assurance in the midst of the world’s chaos. There is nothing that happens in this life that Jesus has not already overcome. One day the trials will be removed (Revelation 21:3-4)!
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10; Romans 12:12; Deuteronomy 6:5; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 5:3; Galatians 2:20; Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:7; Philippians 4:19; Romans 10:13
Prayer: Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus, help me." In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations, Jesus, help me. In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials, Jesus, help me. In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows, Jesus, help me. Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind, Jesus, help me and never forsake me. Amen.
-Special thanks to David DeWitt
God loves you!
Olivia
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