I believe one of the most difficult parts of the believer’s life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. They will come. That does mean that you are not born again, or that you are not a strong believer. It is not saying that you are not walking in faith. But the question is always asked, why would a good and loving Father allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear?
Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, does not loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it does not. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children, and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28) So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.
What God Says About Trails and Tribulations?
Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. . .. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:2-4,12).
Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. THE IMPORTANT OF IT ALL. WE WIN!
Why Does God Allow Us to Go Through Trials
For His anger endureth but a moment, and in His favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. PSALM 30:5
What a believer go through is momentary, but joy comes in the morning. I have heard it said that the darkest hour is just before day. Everything is better in the morning.
Why do we go through those hard times? Why do we go through those emotional lows? Why do we go through those days of difficulty? Why do these things happen to us? Answer: I really do not know, but I do know this, you are going to make it. The Bible has several great examples of individuals who prove that you can go through difficult times and make it through to the other side with God as your guide.
Perhaps no one has suffered more than Job. Job had everything — a good family, a good name and plenty of wealth. But then Satan went to God and asked for permission to alter Job’s good fortune. Then tragedy strikes and Job loses everything: his children, his wealth, his livestock, his crops, his health and even the relationship of his wife and friends. And what did Job do? Not curse God, as Satan had thought he would. Instead, he praised His name.
“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I come from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:20-21)
The rest of the Book of Job tells us that through it all, Job struggles with his suffering, saying to God, “Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked?” (Job 10:1-4)
The moral of Job’s story is: It is okay to question God or the reasons for why something is happening, but there is no need for us to stay there. Job eventually repents and is humbled before God.
Everyone knows that David was a man who was no stranger to hard times. He was anointed king of Israel and chosen by God, and yet he was also tormented by the jealous King Saul, who chased David for many years trying to kill him. The Bible tells us that David grew increasingly frustrated from his constant running and hiding, living in caves, and surviving on whatever food his men could find or what those loyal to him would give.
And time and time again, he had the chance to kill Saul, but he did not because his heart was good. Of course, we all know how the story of Saul ends. He falls on his sword to avoid capture in battle.
Many of the psalms highlight David’s cries to God and his struggles, such as Psalm 142:1-2, which says, “I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.”
Even though King David struggled mightily with his faith, he never remained in this state for long, as he still concludes every psalm praising God and giving Him glory.
Moses is another man who suffered several instances of hard times. He struggled to believe he could deliver his people from Egypt, and he ran into the wilderness until God appeared to him at the burning bush and called him to do exactly what he had run away from. And with God’s help, Moses successfully leads his people out of Egypt, free of bondage. It is a high point in Moses’s life. Currently, everyone was praising God and singing songs. But then there was a slight problem: No water to drink. God was testing Moses and his people to see how they would react at having no water in their new land.
The people of Israel murmured against Moses, wondering what they should drink. And what did Moses do? He turned to God for help in his struggle, and God delivered.
“The Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink.” (Exodus 15:25)
Then afterwards, they came to Elim, where the Bible tells us there were 12 springs and 70 palm trees — plenty of water to go around. Praise the Lord!
In Mark 14:26-31, Peter talks about how he would never deny Jesus. (“Even if all fall away, I will not” and “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.”)
And yet, we all know the story of what happens — it occurs just as Jesus said it would. Peter denies him three times at his trial, and after he had denied Jesus the third time, “he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72).
After this, the Bible tells us that Peter thinks he is unworthy and returns to his old life as a fisherman. All the disciples go with him.
The good news in all of this is that Peter was restored by Jesus, who is merciful, as John 21:15-25 reads.
The big takeaway from all the stories learned is that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 15:26). And you, too, can find strength, comfort, and guidance in the Lord during these challenging times. So, through all the hard times, and challenges, God will bring you through the trials, tests, storms, and the rain. You will make it.
Does God Gives Us Trails to Test our Faith?
God will test us just as he tested Abraham, Moses, Peter, David, and Job. Abram obeyed (Hebrews 11:17–19) and showed to all the world that he is the father of faith (Romans 4:16).
Trials help us take inventory of our faith and see how strong or weak it truly is. God tested the children of Israel (Ex. 16:4), Hezekiah (2 Chron. 32:31), and many others in Scripture.
As believer’s, the testing, or trials we go through, come in various ways. Becoming a Christian will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Perseverance in testing results in spiritual maturity and completeness. Therefore James wrote, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). The testing of faith can come in small ways and daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10) and attacks from Satan (Job 2:7). Whatever the source of the testing, it is to our benefit to go through the trials that God allows, knowing that He is going to take care of us through it.
When we go through the storms of life, we should be like the tree that digs its roots ever more deeply for a greater grip in the earth. We must “dig our roots” more deeply into God’s Word and cling to His promises so we can weather whatever storms come against us.
Most comforting of all, we know that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to handle by His power. His grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). “That is why,” Paul said, “for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then he makes me strong.”
What Are Spiritual Trails?
Every believer that walk with God, will encounter situations where their faith must be strengthened, where their hope must be squeezed ‘til the very last drop, and where they are fashioned into a more glorious vessel for the Kingdom of God. We often call this walking through a season of testing.
Many of us do not like testing. It is one of those things we know we must endure, but we still flinch in our hearts at the sign of trials ahead. However, spiritual testing is how God does His best work in us. Testing will be present in every believer’s life. It is simply a matter of when.
These seasons will seem like the most painful and difficult we have ever walked. These will seem like we have been sitting in a raging fire for a little too long. It will feel like God has left us to the mercy of our problems.
Severe testing does not last forever but is incredibly important because it drives us to the feet of the Father. When the fire is hot in our lives, we do not walk into the presence of the Lord. No! We run to Him! It is in His presence that we cultivate a deeper, sweeter, more resilient relationship with our Abba Father.
Trusting God Through Trails
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (I Peter 4:12–13).
Through it all, God will wrap you in His loving arms and hold you close. He became my refuge (Psalm 18), an ever-present help in my time of need (Psalm 46:1). Allow God’s peace to guard your heart and mind and kept me from going down dark, anxious trails. No matter what trails, test, or storms you are facing today, God can see you through it, but you must put your trust in Him, knowing that he is able to do it.
Trusting God through trials means trusting Him and His plan! Trusting God in hard times, trusting God in difficult times, means believing He has a plan for it all, whatever you are going to face, God will give you what you need when you need it, so do not panic. God is in control. He is going to work it out for your good.
Proverbs 3:5–8 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” When I trust God, I find direction, health (physical and mental), and strength for the journey.
Do not let the uncertainties of tomorrow cause you to take your eyes off God. He has got your tomorrows; He has got your back. He has got you. He has got your family and your situation. And He will not fail you. I am living proof!
Unless you accept God’s grace to deal with suffering, inevitably you will become bitter. However, if you choose to trust God to bring about His purposes through the suffering, you can avoid the trap of bitterness and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. (See II Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 4:31, Hebrews 12:14–15, and II Peter 3:18.)
What Does Going Through Trails and Tribulations Mean?
Going through trials and tribulations means difficult experiences, hard times.
Sometimes being thankful in a difficult situation is the most difficult thing you can do. Yet, Scripture is clear about this response: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).
To be thankful rather than to complain takes a conscious act of the will and a sacrifice of natural desires. Psalm 107:22 appropriately speaks of this choice in terms of a sacrifice: “Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare his works with rejoicing.”
Thanking God in all things does not mean that we thank God for evil. It means that we are thanking God for the benefits He intends for us when He allows things to happen.
When we remember God’s sovereignty, His goodness toward His children, the value of becoming more the like Christ, and the opportunity to learn more of God’s ways, we have a reason to rejoice in any circumstance. God can use every situation for good in our lives.
“. . . For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure . . . yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:9–11).
What Does God say About Being Nervous?
Nervousness can be hard on anyone. Instead of thinking about what makes you nervous, think about Jesus.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Here are Several Scriptures You Can Stand on for Nervousness.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:7
God has not given you a spirit of fear. But he has given you power, love, and a sound mind. So, don’t worry, don’t fear.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Remember trials produce maturity, and therefore they are a blessing to us. James 1:4 describes a progression where trials produce perseverance, and perseverance, maturity. The goal of trials is not to make a person more persevering. That is not an exciting goal. But the result of persevering under trials is a mature character and faith. This is motivating. All Christians want the fruit of maturity, godly character, and faith.
Prayer:
Father, In the Name of Jesus, thank You, Lord, for Your peace that passes all understanding. No matter what I may be facing, I don’t have to fear, because You are always with me. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “I will not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make my requests known to God. God’s peace which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” Because Your Word is truth, I know that I don’t have to fret or have anxiety about anything. That means everything in my life has to line up with what Your Word says. I’m not moved by what I see, or what I hear, because I’m trusting what Your Word says! Your peace, which is beyond my understanding, is present and evident in my heart and mind, continually working on my behalf. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
Free Bible Printables You’ll Love
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