The Truth About Difficult Times You're Facing in Life
Are you facing difficult times in your life right now? Many Christians view these trialing seasons as the work of the enemy and not the work of God. As far as I can see, this is not a biblical truth. Yes, there is an element to trial that involves our sinful nature, fleshly desires, spiritual warfare, and the chaos and insanity of this world.I know many of you who are reading this have suffered greatly. You have seen and experienced that which you would not wish on your worst enemy. I know that. I have too. The pain and brokenness you have faced was not the work of God.But our God is the God of Salvation; the God that makes all things new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Remember that God allowed Job to go through trials that he may give an example of faith to the generations. Promise after promise in the Bible assures us that God uses trial to create greater faith in us, steadfastness, perseverance, a more Christ-like character.
James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
The truth about difficult times in your life
No one enjoys difficult times in life; there's no secret there. During these times is when a person’s true character is revealed. Following Jesus is easy while you're at church. It's also easy when everything is going our way in life. But what about when following Jesus costs us something?Sometimes God must allow us to come to the end of our strength because it is only then that we learn to rely on His Grace, which is the power to be the men and women He is calling us to be.The beauty of God’s Mercy is that if we will hold on to Him, if we continue to follow Jesus, even when everything is screaming on the inside and outside, our worse, when we are mediocre and complacent, he uses the darkness of this broken world to create something priceless in us: Steadfast faith that will lead us to Eternity with God.
It's only when we understand the truth about difficult times in life that we begin to receive refreshment from God. Only by persevering in the face of trial, do we receive the crown of life.
In closing, here are a few encouraging bible verses that help us understand the truth about difficult ties in our lives and what they actually mean.“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7