Sunday, March 12, 2006
Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?
Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?
Answer: It is comforting to know that with God, all trials and tribulations have a divine purpose. We are never alone. He told His disciples that they would be scattered, leaving Him alone, and yet "I am not alone, because the Father is with me. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world." (John 16:32, 33)
"...I will never leave you, nor forsake you; therefore I can boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me" (Hebrews 13:5b,6). Trials develop godly character. "...we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us...
Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:3-5) These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations, and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer should accept trials and tribulations because "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 1:6, 7, 2:9). "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you....."if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God" (1 Peter 4:14, 16).
At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrong doing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15).
Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).
We have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." I hope that these verses will encourage you to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ, unless he/she chooses to yield to him. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything! Go for it!
Recommended Resource: When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson.
Answer: It is comforting to know that with God, all trials and tribulations have a divine purpose. We are never alone. He told His disciples that they would be scattered, leaving Him alone, and yet "I am not alone, because the Father is with me. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world." (John 16:32, 33)
"...I will never leave you, nor forsake you; therefore I can boldly say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me" (Hebrews 13:5b,6). Trials develop godly character. "...we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us...
Jesus Christ set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:3-5) These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations, and ours. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer should accept trials and tribulations because "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for Gods own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 1:6, 7, 2:9). "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you....."if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God" (1 Peter 4:14, 16).
At the same time, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrong doing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (1 Peter 4:15).
Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12).
We have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." I hope that these verses will encourage you to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ, unless he/she chooses to yield to him. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything! Go for it!
Recommended Resource: When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson.
posted by Mel at 10:26 PM, | 
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