Living in this imperfect world is not easy. We all face all sorts of trials that can shake our ground and even confuse our faith in our Lord Jesus. Those who have been consistent in their walk with the Lord are not exempt from various trials. In fact, our closeness with God can lead us to more trials. But what does the Bible say about the various trials that we face? James 1:2-4 says, "My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything." The Word of God encourages us to consider it an opportunity to great joy when we face all sorts of trials. It seems that God is asking us to do something that we can't do.
It is difficult when we lose our job, do not have enough money to pay our bills, have relationship problems at home, work, or school, have family issues, or have health problems, especially when in pain. All of our various trials test our faith in the Lord, and they reveal how much we trust the goodness of God in our life. But when we choose to trust in the goodness of our God, our endurance to trust in Him grows. As we grow in our endurance in trusting in the Lord, we will be perfect and complete in our faith in Him. We will then be described as Jeremiah mentioned in Jeremiah 17:7-8, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
So, when we face all sorts of trials, let us remember its benefit, then we can rejoice. All of the various trials we face today are not permanent; they will soon pass before us. But, our hope in the Lord will endure forever. Let us continue to trust in our Lord as we go through all sorts of trials, for in due time, they will be over, and our faith in God grows. And when we grow in our faith in God, we can then rejoice in our trials.
Ask yourself these questions: What should I do in my current problems, especially when it is too difficult to bear? What happens when I trust in the Lord in my current problems? What is the benefit of our faith when going through various trials?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, Thank you that you are my hope in my current problems. Please help me trust in you that I may continue to grow in my faith, and as I grow in my faith, my endurance to trust in you will continue to grow. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.