How refreshing to read this today! In my own struggles, messages and devotions like this are so encouraging and helpful.
The Purpose of Our Trials
READ 1 Peter 4:12
Some believers like to portray their lives as perfect and carefree. But in reality, being a Christian isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes we’ll experience trials that truly test our faith and ability to trust in God.In today’s passage, Peter refers to times of testing as “fiery ordeals.” He says we shouldn’t be surprised when hardships come our way. It’s important to remember that God has a purpose for our trials and will see us through each step of the way. But the question is, What purpose does God have for the trials we face? First, the heavenly Father will sometimes use painful experiences to cleanse and purify His children’s lives. Trials drive us to the Lord. Then, as we begin to focus on Him, we start to see things from His perspective and often become more aware of our sin.Second, the Lord at times allows difficulty in our life as a way of testing us—He might be trying our faith, endurance, or devotion to Him. He uses such experiences to reveal something about our spiritual development and to strengthen our faith.Third, God uses suffering to demonstrate His power to sustain us. When He brings you through difficult times, He glorifies Himself. In turn, this encourages others when they experience trials, because they have witnessed God’s sustaining power in your life.Ultimately, hardships strengthen our testimony. In the midst of adversity, we might feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But once the storm has passed, we can often look back and see the Lord’s providential hand carrying us through.
6 comments:
This is what I'm focusing on right now. Although sometimes, my personality would like to know why God puts a particular struggle in life. I think that's the frustrating part. But it never fails, He would eventually point me back to a particular experience and it becomes clear.
The rare times he doesn't or my heart isn't open wide enough to see it, I just pray that he gives me patience.
I missed Church yesterday, I heard it was awesome!
How wonderful...our church just got done with a series that touched on this. The last part taled about Where God is in the midst of trials and suffering, etc. I like this explanation!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing. This is so true! I'm seeing this becoming more and more evident in my life. Not because it wasn't happening before...just because I wasn't looking. :)
That is so refreshing to read. It really helps to put all of our trials into perspective for us.
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Thank you for that scripture. It was very uplifting and encouraging!
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