Trials Show Us What We Are Made Of

"Life is not always easy to live, but the opportunity to do so is a blessing beyond comprehension. In the process of living, we will face struggles, many of which will cause us to suffer and to experience pain."  -L. Lionel Kendrick

The famous 19th century preacher Charles H. Spurgeon stated this regarding life's trials: "Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of." I have known many who claimed to have a strong faith in God. and did not hesitate to let everyone know about it. But, at the first sign of trouble they collapsed like a house of cards.

Why? Perhaps their faith was not firmly rooted in God and scriputure. Or, like many of us, maybe they thought that simply warming a seat in church on Sunday mornings would sufficiently satisy the minimum daily requirements of faith. On the surface, everything seemed to be in great shape; but the real problem lies underneath.

Much of our our suffering is due to trials. Some are caused by external forces, which lie beyond our control. Others are caused by our own hand; as a result of our actions or desires. I suppose that it really doesn't matter because either way demonstrates our readiness to enact evil, or create hurt and/or anguish on one another.

But trials can also be beneficial for us; especially our faith. They tend to bring out the best that we have within us. Trials force us to press on when the going gets rough. It enables our faith, hope, and goodness that God in his loving-kindness has deeply embedded into each of our souls. These traits also provide the clarity we need to see things through to the end.

If trials did not shake things up every now and then, our spiritual muscles would grow weak without the exercise. Think of life's trials as a wake up call to an anemic, or floundering faith. They serve as a jolt to our spiritual well-being; like a quick plunge into icy water. Without trials to challenge us our faith suffers. It is through trials that we learn who truly is in control -- God.

Trials are great purifying agents. They help us burn off spiritual impurities due to lethargy or apathy. Thus, what is left behind is a stronger, more pure faith. It rids us of our old, stagnant, non-performing faith; thereby allowing newer, more durable spiritual growth to take place. In addition, our faith is refreshed by renewed inspiration from God and scripture.

In closing, trials help enrich and enhance our faith in God. After the dust settles, and another trial subsides, the true beauty and genuineness of our faith shines brightly. We have entrusted our lives to God knowing that they are in good hands. Our faith in Him will not be disappointed. We will have endured the fiery furnace; our faith, in the end, more secure than ever (Daniel 3:23-25; Isaiah 43:2; Hebrews 11:34).

Scripture: Romans 15:13; Proverbs 3:6; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 9:10; Romans 15:13

Prayer: Dear Lord, teach me to treat all that comes my way with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. Amen

God bless you!

Emmie