Trials, they can be such hard and painful processes in our lives. Some haven’t experienced them, others more than they care to talk about. Each one of us have our issues. From the first sin of Adam and Eve we have all had trials. Trials of all different kinds: death, poverty, physical pain, family hardship, broken hearts, sickness, ect. We all have our own trials to deal with. God didn’t promise it was going to be easy, living a life for him in this world.
“No one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
So why are things so unfair or unjust? The truth is we are living in a universe that is occupied the “rebel”. C.S. Lewis said it perfectly in that we are living in an “Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is.” So it makes sense that we have trials, but why does God allow things trials?
God gave us a beautiful gift of free will, a choice to follow him with our actions or not. Since we chose a life of sin, we are destined to have trials for that choice. There are consequences to our actions and they are usually hard to deal with.
Some of you know that recently I have had some family worries and troubles. These are and have been some of the scariest trials for me personally to go through. So on a side note, thank you so much for those of you who have been praying!
I am blessed with a family that loves each other deeply and are always there to help when it’s needed. So I thank God for that quality in my family. When I first was dealing with these trials I found myself questioning what is the BIG picture in this? I cried and still cry many times saying “I can’t deal with this trial on my own.” But the beauty of walking with God is that we aren’t alone in these trials and tribulations. “I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. “Isaiah 43:1-2
I must admit that I am ashamed of my thoughts when I first heard about the news or trial of my family. I wanted to say this isn’t fair, why are you doing this. How could you do this? But I found that this reaction did nothing for my soul and my heart. So my questions is what is the right reaction when trials come our way?
The best part is that He tells us what our reactions should be…in God’s letters to us…the Bible. “Dear, friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13
The answer is so clear, REJOICE when you face trials. Yes I know this is easier said than done. But with His help you can do it. Just ask Him for help. Rejoice that He has entrusted this trial to you. It is funny, once I gave it to Him and gave thanks did my heart and soul find peace in my trial.
So when trials come your way GET your cry out, or cries out. Then move on by giving it to him.
In Him.
