Convinced in the Midst of Trials
This past week I became aware of a difficult trial that a long time friend of mine is going through. It is in the nature of physical pain with the uncertainty of its origin, which naturally brings about varying levels of anxiety, discouragement, and grief. This news, along with the trials of many of our church members, prompted me to write what I hope is an encouragement in the midst of difficulty. In thinking about how to encourage those suffering, there was one thing that shot to the forefront of my mind: In times of trial, the Christian needs to remain convinced.
Convinced of what?
There is a question that should come to mind when reading that conclusion: “Convinced of what?” Well, that’s my whole point.
There is a striking difference between the believer’s response to the trials of life and that of the rest of the world. The world’s thinking goes something like this: “Don’t worry, it’s all going to be ok. It’s probably nothing. I’m sure it was a misdiagnosis. Look on the bright side, it could be worse.” And so on. The problem is that sometimes, through the lens of our fleeting life here on earth, it may not end up ok. It may be something serious. The diagnosis may be accurate. There are times that even when we hope otherwise, the physical outlook may only get worse.
So what is the answer? How does the believer have hope? What must the believer be convinced of in the midst trials? Simply, we should be convinced of who our God is. That He is both sovereign and good. That His purposes are not secondary, but are the primary and best way He will receive glory in our lives and bring about the good work He has intended for us.
As the Bible makes so clear, God has given mankind the beautiful gift of sadness, grief, and dependance. They are truly a part of our humanity. The problem comes in when we attempt to find rest and comfort from created things, rather than the Creator Himself. We often look to false hopes, fleeting experiences and emotions, or even mind and heart numbing remedies. Instead, we must keep looking to the Lord. He has promised that our life here on earth is fleeting, but that our life with Him is eternal. He has declared that there will be pain, sorrow, and suffering here on earth, but in eternity they will all pass away. He has said that trials will come, but they will always be for the purpose of your sanctification…your holiness.
So, Christian, be convinced in the midst of your trial. Be convinced that God has never and will never change. That in His sovereign goodness He has never left you without hope, and He won’t start now. This hope is as sure as the good news of your salvation in Jesus Christ, which is where your hope must ultimately rest.
Suffering well.
I am grateful to see so many believers suffering well through their trials. My prayer is that in the midst of trials God will strengthen our resolve of who He is. I also pray that He would decide to show His mercy to the friends mentioned above, as well as others who are suffering, with clarity on the cause and healing from it. I ask that you would join me in that prayer.
Clinging to truth.
Since it is from the Scriptures we find the truth of God’s goodness, comfort, and love, His promises and purposes, here are some verses to cling to in the midst of suffering. I pray that you open your Bible to them and prayerfully commune with the Lord as you read them. I know it will not return void.
Psalm 9:1-2 (Maintaining a heart of gratitude before the Lord)
Psalm 18:1-3 (God is your sure foundation)
Psalm 23 (God’s consistent care for you)
Psalm 89:1-2 (Our praise is rooted in His everlasting faithfulness)
Psalm 103:1-5 (The Lord is worthy to be blessed because of who He is)
Psalm 121 (God is your only source of lasting help)
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-16 (God knows us intimately and never waivers from being gentle and loving toward His people)
Matthew 6:25-34 (Anxiety only dissipates when we look to God’s faithful provision)
Romans 8:18 (Future glory puts our suffering into perspective)
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (God comforts us, in turn allowing us to comfort others)
Philippians 1:6 (The work God is doing will be completed by Him)
Philippians 4:4-10 (Rejoicing and resting in truth are the remedy to anxieties of the heart)
James 1:2-5 (Find peace in the command to count trials as joy…you are being made more like your Savior Jesus Christ)
In Christ,
Joey.