Trials

Many times throughout the Bible God lets the believer know they will face trials. It’s hard to think that when we choose to follow Christ that our life will not just flow easily forward.

James 1:2-3 says this:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

We can say that trials are certain but we must know they present us with an opportunity to test our faith. As our faith is tested we then can become more steadfastness – or firm and unwavering. James goes on to say in verse four that as we become more unwavering we can be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

1 Peter 1:6 tells us to REJOICE in our various trials. It will only be for a “little while” but these trials are purposeful proving our faith and making all our impurities melt away. Peter refers to this process as being more precious than gold which only becomes the purist when put through the fire. Now that little while might be a few hours, a few days, or all our days, but even if it is a trial that will stay with us all our days, we can rest assured that God is using it to refine us.

As I reflect on the trials I’ve had in my life, it has been hard at times to keep my focus on Christ. I want to wallow in sorrow and ask him to remove the trouble from my life. I want to forget it happened, to stop crying about what is lost, or to just have same easy times come my way.

But… but… I know in my heart of hearts that those trials I’ve been through and those that will be with my all my days, they draw me to him. The last year has been the hardest trial I have yet to face, and hear I am. In his word as often as I can get. Calling on him as I cry once more. Turning to him quicker than I did before when I am slipping off the narrow path.

I am being refined. I am more quickly rejoicing as I face a trial. I am not perfect and complete yet, but compared to yesterday, last year, years ago, I am coming closer. So I lean into God’s word and I ponder this:

… let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

I pray I run this race with endurance, continue to look to Jesus, and know with great confidence that I can rejoice in my trials as it brings me closer to him.