When I think about of all that has happened in my life, of all those times when I could have failed miserably, and of all those moments when one decision could have altered my future permanently, I am thankful. God could have allowed one of those fleeting instances to change my life irrevocably. But he did not. Instead, he looked after me. He watched over me. And he protected me as I went on my way. Why?
That question, why? is a big question to me. Why would God spare me the pain I would have otherwise experienced had I endured certain trials?
The Apostle James talks about trials this way:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
James is saying, trials offer opportunities to grow in faith, in that no matter what happens to us, God will give us the patience to endure whatever trial comes our way. Saying it another way, God will provide the help we need when we suffer.
I may have avoided certain trials, but I cannot tell you how many times I have felt alone, broken and upset, only to find God there, waiting to help me. He never leaves us. He is there always, hoping that we would come and give of our hearts to him in prayer. All God wants is a relationship with us. He offered his son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. Everyone who believes Jesus is the son of God will have salvation. So how difficult is it to understand that God loves us more than he loves anything in this universe?
When I think about trials this way, it is then easy to accept the truth that God allows suffering, because no one suffered more than Christ did on the cross. And although Christ’s suffering was not a trial for him, his whole purpose for coming was so that we who suffer would have hope—hope for a future—hope for eternal life. James confirms this when he says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Friends, continue to love God as he loves us, unconditionally and without end, for as we love him this way, our trials will then be as steppingstones toward our reward, which is the crown of life.
Audio transcript:
Looking to God 
It’s hard to remember to count trials as joy…maybe some are easier than others…but lately I’ve been struggling with one issue that spirals me in down…Could use some prayers. I’ve been dealing with some stalkers that are stressing me out. Please pray for me and that God will intervene and put a stop to what is going on. I need to be free of them. The stalking is not from my blog. It’s from a situation from a past situation.
Amen!
Blessings!
Amen…
Blessings, Vicki!
Amen!
God is so good!
Yes, He is ALL the time.
In my walk with our Lord, I’ve come to appreciate suffering as a way to relate to my Lord – and a way He can relate to me. It becomes very sweet in that way, giving pain a poignancy that my life lacked before I knew the Lord. 🙂
Heather, you are so blessed to know God this way. I am sure your walks with him are special. Keep up the good fight!