Trials

November 5th – Romans 5:3-5

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Romans 5:3-5

For Christians, hope is not wishful thinking but a robust, enduring virtue born from persevering through life’s trials. By lasting through the suffering and coming out the other side, our character is refined. And from this transformation, a resilient hope emerges. This hope is unshakable because it is rooted in the abundant love of God, which fills our hearts through the Holy Spirit. So rather  than seeing them as setbacks, we should view trials as opportunities for growth. A chance to develop a deep and enduring hope in God’s promises. Suffering comes for us all. Yet no matter what we face, we can embrace the challenge. Because every circumstance has the potential to shape us to to a better version of ourselves. And to strengthen our hope in God’s love and protection. It encourages us to glory in our sufferings. Because trusting in the process of endurance, leads to an ultimate outcome of hope that doesn’t disappoint. Because God never disappoints. And everyone of His promises are true.

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November 4th – James 1:12

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James 1:12

Society today puts great value in things. Always trying to, “keep up with the Joneses”, people strive for material wealth and riches. Christians too yearn for treasure. But ours is a perfect, eternal, imperishable inheritance. (1 Peter 1:4) A glorious one bestowed by God the Father to His children. All made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ. Many are the rewards that will be given in heaven, and one is the crown of life. An eternal crown given to all who persevered in their faith no matter what. Through suffering, testing, and trials, they endured, never giving up hope. Not counting the cost. We too, by enduring through challenges with faith and perseverance, can look forward to receiving the crown of life. This gives us hope, empowering us to withstand life’s tests, knowing that our endurance is a testament to our love for God and our unwavering faith in His promises. And one day, standing before His majestic, mighty throne, we’ll cast our crowns at His feet. Giving the Lord all of the glory and honor. (Rev. 4:10-11)

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September 24th – Micah 5:4

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Micah 5:4

“And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.”

In the midst of life’s trials and challenges, there are moments when it can feel like we’re navigating this journey alone. That there’s no one to help carry our burdens. But even in the most difficult times, we are never truly alone. We have the unwavering presence and companionship of God. His constant and abiding love serves as a beacon of hope in our darkest hours. God is our ever-present source of strength, comfort, and guidance. He offers us solace and support as we walk through life’s ups and downs. Like a shepherd cares for and leads his flock, the Lord guides us with strength and wisdom, ensuring our safety and well-being. And nothing can compare to the the security and peace that comes from entrusting our lives to His care. In a world filled with uncertainties, the assurance of the Lord’s shepherding presence brings comfort and a profound sense of belonging. Because we know we are watched over by a Shepherd who is great and extends His love to the ends of the earth.

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August 16th – Colossians 1:11

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Colossians 1:11

“being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;”

As I’m sitting here on hold with customer service for almost 30 minutes now, Paul’s prayer for believers to have, through the power of God, enduring and joyful patience resonates loud and clear. This divine strength, rooted in the Lord’s might, empowers us to persevere during the hard times. Because life will throw many challenges at us. Yet we can overcome them all with a steadfast spirit. And not only can we be victorious, when we tap into God’s power, we find the strength to have a patience that goes beyond mere endurance. It can actually become a source of great joy. How? When we rely on God’s strength, the result is a positive outlook, even in the face of trials, because we know that out of His great love, God’s purposes are at work. This patience, infused with joy, is a testament to our faith in His sovereignty and goodness. A joy which allows us to remain hopeful while we wait for His plans to unfold. And the ability to show the world what grace and an unwavering trust in God looks like.

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April 17th – 2 Corinthians 4:17

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2 Corinthians 4:17

The apostle Paul and his fellow Christians suffered many hardships and difficulties in their ministry. They knew firsthand the cost of following Jesus and spreading the Good News. And although John acknowledges that trials can be painful to endure, he reminds us they only last but a moment. And so he councils us during times of difficulties to focus on the eternal perspective. For these troubles are temporary and are ultimately leading to a greater reward in heaven. Likewise, no matter what we suffer it’s minor compared to the eternal glory awaiting us. So as hard as it may be, Paul urges us to see our sufferings in light of the bigger picture. And to persevere through them knowing that they are not in vain. Most of all Paul wants us to trust that even in the midst of trials and hardships, we can find hope and comfort in the knowledge that God is working all things together for our good and for His glory.

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March 5th – Jeremiah 30:11

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Jeremiah 30:11

As God’s chosen people, Israel faced some pretty big storms. And like her, we too will have times of trial and tribulation. Yet whether the Lord allows these storms because He’s trying to teach us, or like Israel, to bring us to repentance, remember this. Though you may feel lost and battered, God is always in control. And no matter what we face we can claim the same promises God gave to the exiled Jews. The Lord had Jeremiah write a book containing His blessings of deliverance and restoration. A book the people could turn to for hope while they waited for the storm to pass. God blesses us with a book as well, the Holy Bible. And in it we’ll find the same promises of hope, deliverance, and restoration. So trust God to shelter you from the storm until it passes and the sun shines again. And remember, the One who created the storm, also created the rainbow that is sure to follow.

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January 5th – Psalm 31:14-15

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Psalm 31:14-15

Sadly, as long as there is sin there will be suffering. And this side of heaven we may not understand the reason behind God letting it in our lives. But like David, we can trust that no matter what we endure, God always has a purpose for our pain. I think of Jesus. Satan appeared before Him in the wilderness and offered Christ the crown without the Cross. (Matthew 4:8) Jesus could have walked away from the cup of agony He was about to drink. But instead He chose to His Father’s will done, no matter the cost. And because of what Jesus endured, we are now blessed with the gift of eternal life. We will all have painful times. But our future is held securely in the hands of the One who controls the storms. And God will be there as our impenetrable fortress every step of the way. So trust in His perfect wisdom. And cling to His beautiful promise to, “Comfort all who mourn, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness.” (Is. 61:3)

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December 6th – Matthew 24:13

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Matthew 24:13

One of the things I love most about God is His great love for us. There is nothing we can do, buy, or earn to climb our way to the Father. So He climbed down to us. Our mighty King traded His majestic throne in heaven for a bed of wood and hay. The Lamb of God came as a humble, helpless child, but the Lion of Judah will return as our conquering King and Ruler of all. Jesus made it clear that the life of a Christian will be filled with trials, persecution, and peril. Yet for those who stand strong in their faith until the end, no matter the circumstances, God promises deliverance from their enemies. And even better, a life spent by His side filled with eternal love and peace. As we bring this turbulent year to a close, the holiday season is a much needed time of joy, thankfulness, and festivities. And while we celebrate the glorious birth of our Savior, it is also the perfect time to celebrate His promise to save all who persevere!

 

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December 5th – Habakkuk 3:19

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Habakkuk 3:19

It’s easy to have a deep and obedient faith when God answers our prayers exactly the way we want. But what about when He doesn’t? The prophet Habakkuk cried out to God to deal with the wickedness of Judah. But when God’s answer was the nation’s destruction, Habakkuk couldn’t understand the Lord’s reasoning. Have you ever felt like that? Unable to understand why God’s answer to your prayer would involve suffering? In Isaiah 55:8-9 we are told that the thoughts and ways of God are higher than our human brains can comprehend. So even if we don’t understand His methods, we can trust that God uses all things for our good. (Rom. 8:28) That’s what faith is all about! Trusting that even though this life is filled with trials and suffering, and we don’t have all the answers, we can still praise God. For He is our strength and our joy. And in His perfect love will never let us falter, carrying our feet to high places of safety!

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November 21st – Hebrews 2:17

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Hebrews 2:17

I am thankful Jesus understands everything we suffer

This side of heaven we will all face challenges. Jesus too faced many challenges when He walked this earth. Why? The purpose wasn’t for His benefit but for ours. Because now any temptation we face, Jesus knows. Any pain we suffer, Jesus knows. And any trial we experience, Jesus knows. Because He knows, there is no one better to intercede for us before God. I love how Dr. Charles Stanley says, “Jesus left heaven and became a man not only to become a sacrifice for our sins but also to experience what we feel and to know exactly what it’s like to be one of us. That’s what makes Him our perfect representative on the throne of grace.” Jesus now stands at the the right hand of the Father as our High Priest. Everyday He intercedes to the Father on our behalf. (Rom. 8:34) Christ was made flesh to suffer and die for us. And how thankful we are for His love and sacrifice!

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