Trials and Tribulations

When the writings from the book of James challenge us to “count it as pure joy when we encounter trials”, doesn’t that confuse the human mind? It goes against the grain. It is counter intuitive to our very nature. When our physical man encounters trials and tribulations, often we want to blame God, doubt God, gripe and complain. Yet, His Word is quite clear that trials and tribulations are a part of our daily Christian walks. By claiming the name of a Child of God, we are not exempt from pain and suffering, trials and tribulations. However, as His children, we ARE promised the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives to comfort us and encourage us as days are grim and grey.

Romans 5:3-4 exhorts us: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Many people ponder and question why a Loving God allows His beloved children to experience difficult times. This Scripture summarizes the reason quite well. Without the yoke of trials and tribulations sometimes hanging around our necks, traits such as perseverance, character, hope, patience, faith would be difficult to culture in our lives. If life was a piece of cake, we would not be driven to seek God. If everything was handed to us on silver platters, we would not learn to be dependent upon our Heavenly Father, as our Provider. If our hearts were never broken from life situations, we would never encounter the Comforter.

God’s Word illustrates examples too numerous to count of His chosen servants living in the midst of trials and tribulations most of us cannot fathom. Paul, an apostle with a stellar reputation, was beaten and flogged and shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Yet, he continued preaching the Gospel and living a life honoring His Lord and Savior. Stephen’s loving, forgiving spirit was strikingly brilliant as he was brutally stoned and killed for his life lived to honor Christ. Daily, as life struggles and heartaches, threaten to drown us in grief, we must, with patience and faith, continue to trust God. He is in control and willing to come to our aid. As the Rapture and Christ’s return approaches, days and lives will become more and more difficult. I doubt there is anyone who can watch the nightly news, for more than a few moments, without reflecting on the dire world events swallowing up the life we have all known and lived.

It is time for each of us to seek God more through prayer. It is time to learn more of His plan for our future and His gift of salvation. It is time to bow our knees and hearts before His throne and seek Him as we have never done before in our lives. Trials and tribulations are descending on this world as never before. We must be ready to learn and live through these difficult times, with no thought of cursing or deserting the One and Only God, Who will never leave us nor forsake us.