A speaker who came to VFCC once looked at the entire student body and stated, "You are either going through a trial, about to go through one, or just coming out of one. The same applies to everyone around you." The same can be evidenced through the Psalmist, David, who wrote Psalms of ascent, descent, and reorientation.
Why do we go through trials?
- The Fall
The number one reason why "bad things happen to..." people, is because of the fall of mankind (Gen. 3). In moments, humanity went from being guiltless and having a perfect, unhindered relationship with God, to being ashamed, condemned to work by the sweat of their brow, pain entering the process of childbirth, and death. This judgment, discipline, and condemnation for sin now infiltrates every aspect of our lives. Graciously, God provided a way for our sins to be forgiven through Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, the original sin has tainted this world that we live in.
2. Persecution
See Matthew 5:10-12, Hebrews 11, take note of Paul's sufferings in 2 Cor. 11 & 12 as well as Stephen's Martydom.
3. Discipline
See 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, Hebrews 12:7
4. For the Glory of God
John 9:1-5
If trials are bound to come our way, how should we respond?
- With Joy (James 1:2-4)
- With Perseverance (James 1:12)
What do we get out of it? What is the result of persevering through trials in our lives?
- We're blessed (Matthew 5:10-12)
- We're perfected (James 1:2-4)
- His power is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:7)
- Hope is fostered in us (Romans 5:3-5)
Trials are hard to endure, let alone persevere through with joy, but if we can keep the ends in mind, the means might not be so painful. Hope that God's word encourages someone today.
:-D Be blessed!
No comments:
Post a Comment