Does it surprise you that trouble is a part of life ?
When troubles come and doubts arise, I often turn to Romans 8. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? asked Paul (verse 35).
It shouldn't surprise us, therefore that God permits the added trials of ridiculed and hated because we follow Christ (1 Peter 4:12)
So why do we need to go through pains or suffering in our walk on this earth ?
As Job wisely assessed God's role in trying circumstances of loss and poor health: "He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold" [Job 23:10]
As we go through trials or troubles, God uses these circumstances to bring us to our knees and to Him. By His grace, He continues to use life's twists and turns to mould and reshape our character to be more Christlike, ".... conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). It will also draw us closer to God, as we seek His strength and comfort. Trouble not only helps us experience our dependance on God but also reminded us of our inter-dependance with one another.
Much of life is about "getting through" the trials and troubles that are inevitable in our sinful world. Acts 14:22 recorded Paul and Barnabas strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Real trials in life are not ifs - they are whens. In fact, life's most profound lessons cannot simply be observed, they must be experienced. 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. [James 1:2-3]
No one can predict with certainty how stormy our life journey will be. But we do know, though, that everyone will face storms. If you're anchored in Jesus, you have nothing to fear.
When troubles come and doubts arise, I often turn to Romans 8. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? asked Paul (verse 35).
It shouldn't surprise us, therefore that God permits the added trials of ridiculed and hated because we follow Christ (1 Peter 4:12)
So why do we need to go through pains or suffering in our walk on this earth ?
As Job wisely assessed God's role in trying circumstances of loss and poor health: "He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold" [Job 23:10]
As we go through trials or troubles, God uses these circumstances to bring us to our knees and to Him. By His grace, He continues to use life's twists and turns to mould and reshape our character to be more Christlike, ".... conformed to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). It will also draw us closer to God, as we seek His strength and comfort. Trouble not only helps us experience our dependance on God but also reminded us of our inter-dependance with one another.
Much of life is about "getting through" the trials and troubles that are inevitable in our sinful world. Acts 14:22 recorded Paul and Barnabas strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Real trials in life are not ifs - they are whens. In fact, life's most profound lessons cannot simply be observed, they must be experienced. 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. [James 1:2-3]
No one can predict with certainty how stormy our life journey will be. But we do know, though, that everyone will face storms. If you're anchored in Jesus, you have nothing to fear.
TOUGH TIMES CAN TEACH US TO TRUST.
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