A Steadfast Faith Amid Life's Trials

"So surely as the stars are fashioned by His hands, and their orbits fixed by Him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: He has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us."       - C. H. Spurgeon

One of the hardest things for us to accept is hardship or trials in life. When the water is calm and sailing is smooth, there is no problem. But sooner or later, the water will become choppy and our way is tossed and set into turmoil.

Such is life. Most can easily maneuver the clear paths without effort or difficulty. The appearance of trials that put us to the test, however, will either make or break us depending on how we handle them.

No one is immune from trials in life. They present themselves in different manners, at random times, and in varying intensities. We should be aware that they will arrive at some point in time, but are you prepared to face them when they do?

A hallmark theme in the Christian life is a steadfast faith during times of trial. This includes maintaining firmness of purpose and keeping our hearts and minds centered upon Jesus Christ at all times. 

We can find many examples and lessons supporting what I've just mentioned in the Bible. These serve to demonstrate the importance of maintaining our faith and trust in Him no matter what challenges and adversity one might face.

Let's examine a few instances here today. When we think of someone being overrun with trials Job would probably be the first person to come to mind! Even so, despite losing everything and then some. he never turned against God (Job 3:15).

In fact, Job's faith is used as a powerful illustration to show what trusting God's sovereignty and righteousness should look like in the time of upheaval in life. Another powerful individual who stood strong in faith is Joseph.

Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and enduring imprisonment, he remained faithful to God. His good character and trust in God's plan for him symbolizes how God can use trials and tribulations for His greater intentions (Genesis 5:20).

Finally, the Apostle Paul met with a great many calamities, including being jailed, beatings, and surviving a shipwreck. Still, he stood firm in faith and continued on his mission of spreading the gospel.

The letters he left embolden believers to rejoice in suffering, knowing that it generates character and perseverance (Romans 5:3-4). I could continue with many more, but these individuals get the point across quite satisfactorily.

In order for the Christian believer to grow and mature in faith, it must be put to the test on occasion. His plan for you, however, is different than his plan for me. God never does this without having a greater plan in mind (Jeremiah 29:11).

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) once said, "We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things." Trials are a part of life. They measure our faith in God, and expose its weaknesses. Let God do his work in you, as only He can!

Scripture: Psalm 34:19; 2 Corinthians 4:17; James 1:4; Hebrews 12:11; Revelation 3:10

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. Amen.

In grace and peace, 

Betsy