Rejoice, Life Has Become More Difficult!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4, New International Version (NIV)
The past couple of days have been difficult for me, even though I really don’t know exactly why. A major factor is undoubtedly the fact that I have been going through the very same things most of you have been going through with this coronavirus lockdown in place.
This evening, in fact just a few minutes ago before sitting down to write this, I was confronted with the question that I believe was from the Holy Spirit and, like all of God’s words, it cut right through me (Hebrews 4:12).
The question was as follows: “Why are you wasting this time feeling sorry for yourself, when you should be embracing your difficulties and then overcoming them in the way that I desire for you?”
It was at that moment I immediately realized the very issues I was going through that were trying to pull me into a dark depression were miraculously changed in my mind into great opportunities: Opportunities to grow, opportunities to please the Father!
As Christians, circumstances do not rule our lives. An all-loving, all-wise Father is always in charge of every detail of our lives (Luke 12:6-7). Our job is to remember that and turn those circumstances back over to him, listening and taking action on them as he directs. After all, his wisdom and understanding about what’s going on in our lives is much greater than our own!
Sometimes I am not very good at remembering or following my own understanding and writings! Here are some words from The Fulfilled Marriage: The Three Doors that I hope might help and encourage you as you struggle through the trials in your own life.
God is my judge, and while I believe I have had my fair share of troubles, I will share one thing: God always delivered me out of them, and then usually showed me the good that came through each experience.
I certainly know that God brings us through difficulties and trials, not out of meanness, but out of love. I also know that everything I have been through had purpose and meaning and was ultimately necessary. For one thing, I can say with authority coming from experience, God is always good to me.
Once through trials and tribulations, and even sometimes when I was in the middle of a tough situation, I could say, “Thank you, Father. Now I see it was necessary.” For those who are in difficulty, I can assure you, if you determine to trust God, the Father will always do what is good, essential, and best for your life and eternity.
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, NIV
For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV
If you have not in the past understood this truth, tell God now, “Thank you, Lord, I needed to go through my life’s problems.” There will be times when you are in the middle of trials when you see no way out, and think your suffering is too great, whether physical or emotional. It is in those times in life you may be reduced to a point that you can only say, “God, I am going to hang onto you and trust in your goodness.”
How much energy do we expend trying to avoid difficulties and avoid the pain that life brings? Unfortunately, in our culture, and even within the Christian community, many believe that one should not be subject to trials and difficulties. But the truth is that all of us, Christians or not, will encounter difficult times and seasons.
The assurance that we have as believers is that there is nothing that can happen to us that will separate us from God’s love. Attitude and trust are so important in those times of trials and discipline. This will ensure that God is glorified and that one will continue to mature and become more “Christ-like.”
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”
Romans 8:35, NIV
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33, NIV
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39, NIV
Testing through discipline and adversity is in God’s design for our “education and growth.” It’s for His glory that we triumph over adversity!
God Bless and Keep You Safe,
Ted and Esther
