Just the word “trial” is troublesome and challenging! When I think of the difficulties, sufferings, distresses, worries, anxieties that we are experiencing as a nation, in our homes, on the streets and globally, I am reminded that “afflictions are but the shadow of God’s wings.” George MacDonald “ God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.” Peter Marshall
Why God Allows Trials? (to create a greater purpose for the benefit of others.) Daniel of the Old Testament yielded what he could not change, to be free to be used in a dynamic way:
· Saw his family killed in Jerusalem
· Taken captive
· Became a eunuch
· Submitted his pain to God
Result: He influenced two worldwide Empires!
Responding to Trials:
We benefit from them or we react to them and “lock down” emotionally with:
· Impatience
· Fretfulness
· Why me? Attitudes
· Complaining
· Rebelliouness
· Bitterness
We benefit if we learn to respond to trials with:
ACCEPTANCE WITH JOY
AND THANKSGIVING = GROWTH/MATURITY
There are Three basic Biblical Principles regarding Trials:
Ø Trials are common; no one escapes unscathed 1 Cor. 10:13
Ø Trials will pass I Peter 1: 6
Ø Trials are lessons NOT to be wasted! James 1:4 (Let endurance come to accomplish His greater purpose) Remember the biblical account of Joseph, the treasurer of Egypt?
The Purpose of Trials
§ The pressure of trials produces faith
§ The pressure of trials produces patience
§ The pressure of trials produces maturity
§ The pressure of Trials produces wisdom
How can Trials be faced with JOY?
1. We trust God’s sovereign plan. Rom. 8:28
2. We know God will never give a trial too big. 1 Cor. 10:13 God carries us with His grace.
3. We anticipate the Eternal benefit. Rom. 8:18; 11 Cor. 4:17
4. We know the Holy Spirit will help us. Rom. 8: 26 The Holy Spirit will comfort and carry us.
5. We know testing will produce Godly qualities. Job 23:10
How are you dealing with the trials in your life?
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
