July 6th, 2005

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Got Trials?

Read Romans 5:1-5

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
-1 Corinthians 10:13 (NRSV)

A friend's husband's bad back may cause the family to lose their farm. Another dear friend just became a widow. Rebelling teens cause anxiety and pain in parents' hearts. Everyone faces problems, and Christians are no exception. Jesus told his disciples that in the world they would face troubles but because he had overcome the world, they could have peace. (See John 16:33.)

Trials and suffering can build character and lead us to greater trust in God. The more we experience God's love and protection in and through hardships, the stronger and steadier our hope and faith can become.

Knowing that God loves us and experiencing God's working in our lives helps us feel secure in all circumstances. God can use tests and trials to perfect and mature us. In Hebrews 5:8-9 we're told that Christ "learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." If Christ was perfected through suffering, can we not expect God to use our suffering for good?
Marie DisBrow (California, U.S.A.)

Prayer:

Thank you, O God, for trials that strengthen us and teach us to depend on you. It is comforting to know that you are always with us. Amen

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