![]() ![]() While God can and does deliver us from certain trials in this life, deliverance from trials on earth is not a guarantee. He is growing us, shaping us, and giving us the endurance we need to press forward. So even though trials are painful, it is comforting to know that God is producing something good in our trials. But trials cause us to hold fast to what we know to be true about God and His promises. ![]() ![]() Often, we don’t rely on the Lord as much when life feels easy and good. And it is because sufferings cause us to depend on God. Yet, we can look back at certain trials and see how those situations truly shaped our faith. This can be hard to accept, for it would feel much better to have our faith refined through easier means. Similarly, 1 Peter 1:6–7 tells us, “You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith - more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire - may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Our faith is refined in the fire of trials. Just like a runner can experience a burst of motivation to go further, so does God give us the perseverance we need to press on in our trials. And as we move forward in the midst of trials, we are given the endurance we need to keep moving forward. God is growing us in our sufferings and hardships. Therefore, the trials we walk through are not without purpose. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” These verses teach us that God produces endurance and spiritual maturity in our trials. James 1:2–4 tells us, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Because He is a good and sovereign God, God uses our trials to shape our faith and grow us in our relationship with Him. But even though God allows us to experience trials, God works in our trials purposefully. When whatever it is that we are going through throws us for a loop or hurts us, we can feel as if God is being cruel. It can be easy to question why God allows us to experience trials. How? By remembering what God is doing and resting in the promised outcome.īelow, we discuss exactly how remembering what God is doing and resting in the promised outcome can help us through our trials. But the good news is that as believers, we are able to persevere through our trials no matter how difficult they may be. Most of the trials we experience are painful, overwhelming, and burdensome. And as followers of Christ, we too find ourselves questioning if we can possibly move forward in the trials we experience. Even the most disciplined and trained runner reaches a point where they feel like they can’t go on anymore. Persevering during trials is similar to running. That inevitable feeling of not being able to go on is what often keeps me from running. My breathing becomes heavy, my muscles burn, and I feel as if I have to stop or my legs will give out. But I always reach a point where my motivation starts to slip and my body starts to slow down. I like the beginning of a run when everything feels easy.
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