What will you do when trials of testing come into your life? Do trials really benefit me? How can my faith in the Jesus help me to stand? What good can the Lord bring from trials? Maybe you have other questions about trials. As I have become older, I have observed that no one is immune from trials. Sooner or later, all of us are going to be tested, and usually multiple times. Before the Apostle Paul knew Jesus as His Savior, he was an enemy of Christians. Prior to his conversion Paul was known as Saul and Acts 9 tells us the story.
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. [1] Acts 9:1-2
In the book of James, we receive much insight into the purpose of trials. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [2] James 1:2-4
In many ways trials prepare me for service. Here is the bad news. When God works in a big way, it often involves one of his servants facing a big trial. So, we need to be ready for big storms and trials. How can we be prepared? Little trials.
I want God to trust me with his big tasks, but God doesn’t give us the big tasks without testing us in the little things. Every trial God sends, even our daily frustrations are meant to test us and help us grow stronger. If I want God to use me for big things, I must pass the little tests. If I don’t pass the little tests, why should I expect God to trust me with greater things?
When I believe in Jesus as my Savior, no matter what trials I am going through I know the Lord is with me. The Lord gives me strength and encouragement and helps me to look up at Him instead of focusing on my circumstances.
God uses trials to turn my dependence fully on Him. He wants me to cling to Him and find peace in Him alone. My sinful heart doesn’t want to give up control. Trials are God’s tool to break my dependence on self so that I will trust in him alone.
To hear the story of the Divine Intruder and Saul, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/journey-with-the-divine-intruder/the-divine-intruder-and-saul
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:1–2). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jas 1:2–4). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.