Why Does God Allow So Many Trials in My Life?
CONVERSATIONS:
“Papa, do I have to??” As a dad of 3 sons, that question had many variations: “I don’t want to go to school! Do I have to??” “I don’t want to wake up early, brush my teeth, clean my room, say I’m sorry, admit I’m wrong, do my homework,, etc.”
Then there are the more challenging questions: “I tried so hard, why didn’t I pass?”
“We prayed so much, why did she die? “ “Why did this _______________ still happen?”
I recall asking God “Father, why does my son have to go through brain surgery?
Just because you are a Christian and a follower of Jesus does not make us immune to the trials that come with living in a fallen world.
Even Jesus himself experienced strong trials on earth, and left us this advice:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33 ESV
So what do Christians do when trials come?
1. Take Refuge in the Lord.
Pour out your concerns to Jesus and let His peace guard your heart.
When your world is shaking, remember T-R-I-A-L can mean “T-ake R-efuge, I A-m L-ord.”
We may not understand the hardships that sometimes come. But always remember that God is in control. There is divine purpose even if we don’t understand the reason now.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His Purpose. Romans 8:28
2. Discern if this Trial is a product of human error or sin.
Many times people blame God for tribulations that come from people’s sins.
If you have been affected by someone’s sin, let God be your judge and vindicator.
Do not succumb to evil.
Remember Joseph, who was sold as a slave and imprisoned unfairly.
If you are going through a “Joseph experience”, let the trial refine you and purge you of your own sinful tendencies. God will promote you and vindicate you if you respond like Joseph.
If you are going through a “Job experience”, it is tempting to accuse God of being unfair to you. God sees a bigger picture, bigger than our pain.
Remember how God, rewarded Job double blessings for his past sorrows.
But if you are going through a “David experience” as he was confronted by his own sin (adultery/murder), it’s time to repent, acknowledge our sin and stop making excuses.
3. Let the Crucible of Trial, Refine Your Character.
Question: How would you feel if your child only loved you in happy times, and turned away from you in difficult moments?
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Trials test the strength of our faith in Jesus, just as gold is tested and refined by fire.
“Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:7 NET
God wants us to have “Golden Faith”. Steady in the good times, committed in the bad times, trusting in our Savior and Lord, who promises to be with us even in the fire.
PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me remember when trials come, to run to You instead of away from You.
Thank You for your promise that you will not allow any trial in my life without your supernatural grace accompanying it, to help me overcome.
I may not understand why this had to happen, but I make a decision to trust You and to keep my faith in You, not in my circumstances.
You are my judge and my vindicator. You will uphold the innocent.
Father, I also repent of ______________(sinful attitudes, response) that may have contribute to this situation.
I trust in Your Timing, Your Solution, and Your Perspective. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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