As a result of facing trials, tribulations, adversity, and various situations, some Christians will turn away from God.

Some lose part of their faith, while others lose ALL of their faith.

Unless you can fully understand why such a loving God will allow you to go through such conflicts and situations in your life, your faith can be shaken...EASILY. The loss of faith usually depends on the level of the "storm" in your life at that time. This may be a touchy subject for some in the Body of Christ, however, it's time to face facts. Christian or NOT, you WILL have some not so pleasant experiences before this life is over.



First, lets look at what these things are defined as: (from the Dictionary)

Trial:

*the state or position of a person or thing being tried or tested; probation.
*subjection to suffering or grievous experiences; a distressed or painful state: comfort in the hour of trial.
* an affliction or trouble

Tribulation:

*grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.
* an instance of this; an affliction, trouble, etc.


We sometimes find ourselves going through the above and then some:

Examples:

*Losing a job * Loss of finances * Loss of a loved one * Divorce * Harm to children * Depression *Illness * Feeling Lost * Feeling unwanted and/or unloved * In Need *
Just to name a few….

What does the BIBLE say?

1 Peter 4:12 (KJV)

12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Romans 5:3 (KJV)

3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;


John 16:33 (KJV)

33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.


Peter 5:10 (KJV)

10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

(COPIED AND PASTED)

WHAT ARE THE PURPOSES OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?
"None of God’s children is exempt from trouble. There will be problems related to the best of things that He gives us. Even in marriage and family life problems is inevitable (1 Cor 7:28) In John 16:33 Jesus says: “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” The Bible mentions various reasons why the Lord allows trouble and trials to come into the lives of His children:
1. To test the Strength of our Faith:
The Lord allows trials and temptations in our lives to show us the strength or weakness of our faith. In 2 Chronicles 32:31 we are told of king Hezekiah that God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. Job, after experiencing unbelievable afflictions confessed to the Lord in Job 42:5&6 :”I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
2. To teach us to Count our Blessings:
Humanly speaking our reason urges us to value the world and the things of the world. Our senses urge us to value comfort and enjoyment. However through trials and trouble our faith urges us to value all the spiritual things and blessings which the Lord has given us in abundance. Blessings like His Word, His daily provision, His faithful care and guidance and most important His great Salvation!
All the heroes of faith named in Hebrews chapter 11, rejected the world and worldly pleasures for the goodness of God’s gifts. They set us an example to follow by “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Then why am I so discontented and unthankful ?
3. To reveal our Love for the Lord:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.” (Matthew 22:37&38) As a child of God nothing, but nothing, and nobody else should ever be dearer to us than the Lord Himself under all circumstances. See also Luke 14:26.
4. Trials are given to Humble us and keep us from Pride:
The greater our blessings the more Satan will tempt us to become proud and look on them as our own accomplishments and our rightful due, rather than the Lord’s grace and provision. Proverbs 8:13 says:
“ Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.”
“…And be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1Peter5:5) We often easily blame the devil for the opposition and resistance we get, but isn’t it perhaps God keeping us humble and on our knees? In 2 Corinthians 12:7 Paul testifies that “lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.”
5. God allows trials and trouble to keep us from Dependence on Worldly things:
The more we accumulate material possessions, recognition, experience, knowledge, success and other kinds of worldly benefits, the more we are tempted to rely on them instead of relying on God. Moses had been brought up in Pharaoh’s house as a prince of Egypt and reached the top of Egyptian society and personal success. Then the Lord called him to lead His people out of Egypt and in Hebrews 11:24-26 the Bible tells us that Moses “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt…”
What is the real basis of my trust and the focus of my concern?
6. To enable us to Better Help Others in their trials:
The Lord Jesus Himself said to Peter: “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31&32) The very example of the Lord in His humanity underlines this truth. “ For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15) Our sufferings are given us not only to strengthen us for greater usefulness but also to prepare us to strengthen others.
7. Testing of our Faith produces Endurance: (James 1:3)
Endurance is the product or consequence of patience. Patiently enduring trials while trusting in God develops endurance which is a permanent inner quality of strength which increases each time a trial is trustingly endured. Paul assures us anew in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that “ God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The Lord will not allow me as His child to face anything that I cannot survive in His power and through His grace and provision!"


Should we count it all Joy?

Views: 29

Comment

You need to be a member of Black Preaching Network to add comments!

Join Black Preaching Network

Comment by T.L. Hawkins on May 15, 2009 at 12:12pm
AMEN Brother John! I was speaking from experience. I'm glad God blessed me to understand trials and tribulations. Obviously, it hasn't always been that way. Life truly is a series of storms....however, I look to the "I" of the storm (the great I AM)!
Comment by John on May 15, 2009 at 12:00pm
Paul said we should count it all as Joy for the reasons you stated. These things builds our character in Christ. These things should draw us nearer to Him instead of pulling us away. We have this warm fuzzy feeling thinking why is God doing this to me instead of trusting Him and trying to pray for the understanding of the situation. We are tested and disciplined because He loves us and not because He doesn't. He said He wouldn't put anything on us we couldn't bear. IT is our lack of faith and trust in Him. God bless you for this post my Sister.

© 2024   Created by Raliegh Jones Jr..   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service