If only
the Christian could learn the art of mastering trials, tests, and troubles! Do
you ever wonder why God allows us to suffer? If He is loving and faithful, why
are we expected to endure seemingly unnecessary trials and tests? Though there
is no simple answer to these questions, we can discover some reasons for
trials, tests, and troubles in the life of the Christian.
Before
discussing these, we want to make one sure statement: The Christian who will
embrace trials and tests as a part of the Christian experience will learn
quickly how to navigate through them.
David
declared in the Psalms that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God
delivers them out of them all. One main reason that God allows things to come
our way is that He will bring us out of all of them. It is for this cause He
allows us to go through some things, because He delights in showing His power.
However, from biblical examples and exhortations, we can discover 3 benefits of
trials and tests.
First,
trials and tests come to produce reverence for God. They come into the lives of
believers to produce a reverential fear of God. Nevertheless, this fear is to
be coupled with humility. Trials, tests, and God’s subsequent deliverance from
them, bring the believers into a personal encounter with God’s greatness and
power.
Where there is no fear of God, people will not exercise restraint. Where there is no humility before God, there is no regard for His standards. Where there is no regard for His standards, there is no place of repentance, which leads to experiencing judgment at His return.
Second,
trials and tests come to produce a faith-filled relationship. God allows
believers to have trouble to produce faith and patience in them. When one
experiences sickness and God heals him, faith is gained in that area. When one
faces financial difficulties and the Lord provides, faith for finances is
acquired.
Many
believers do not submit to this process. Situations that are designed to produce
faith have inadvertently produced disillusion and depression in some. Believers
must realize that God is sovereign and will never forsake them.
Third,
trials and tests surface to produce zeal for Christ. Believers experience
trials, which should produce faith and not frustration. The remembrance of the
trials and God’s subsequent deliverance should not produce anxiety. It should
build a legacy of God’s love and concern for us.
When one
understands the place of trials and tests, they will not spend time trying to
escape these inevitabilities. Embrace your trials and tests knowing it will
work for your good.
