How does one make it through tough trials? Someone close to you or you yourself receives news that you have cancer, you find out you are losing your job, you lose your house and all your belongings in a fire, and the list goes on... As I go through a major trial in my own life, I have asked the question just a few times lately. Though at first it was simple and easy to despair, to question our God, to become bitter, or to point a finger, it was leaning upon the everlasting arms of God where I found comfort, hope, love, One who is slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, and much much more!
Think upon some of the great things our Lord tells us that we can trust in:
1 Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..." O, you say that this was the Apostle Paul, of course he didn't fall to despair, but why? It was because he had what we have, salvation in Christ alone. He had the Spirit of Christ dwelling in his heart and therefore the Word in his heart. And both are what comforted him: the Spirit and the Word.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." - Romans 5:1-6
Of these verses, James Meikle says,
"Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. Sometimes God kindly sends afflictions to chastise His people for sin, and curb their carnal affections. Yet, at other times He sends afflictions to exercise and improve their graces. Whatever my affliction is, the wisdom of Him who sends it, should make me embrace and bear it without repining. Afflictions do not spring out of the dust--nor come at random. Some of God's favorite ones have, for wise ends, had the severest afflictions. Affliction deadens the pleasures of sense, and gives the soul a relish for spiritual things. It divorces the soul from the creature, and draws it near to God. Affliction renders the creature tasteless, and the world barren. It dispels the intoxicating juice of carnal pleasures and sensual delights. I should welcome whatever afflictions loosen me from this world, and bring me nearer to God."
Scripture tells us more from Job, who had lost practically everything, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord." and "I know my Redeemer lives!"
"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:19-23
And of course that one verse in which much hope is always found, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." So dear Christian, if you are experiencing trials, listen to Jesus, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer..." for "...there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God."
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