2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
James 1:2-4 KJV
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
None of us like hardships or problems, but we soon learn that they are a component of life on this earth.
Some of our hardships or trials are brought on by our very own actions. God’s word tells us that “we reap what we sow.”
Also, we know that Satan will do all he can to disrupt our lives. He and his evil spirits work day and night to create havoc.
Finally, God also will cause or allow hardships and trials in the lives of His children. When He does this, we can be sure that it is only for our benefit and growth.
THE APOSTLE PAUL’s LIFE IS AN EXAMPLE
Paul's life is one of our greatest examples of the purpose and lessons of trials and tribulations.
- For Paul’s benefit, God gave Paul a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him from being conceited or prideful. Paul’s affliction helped to keep him humble. We must always remember that there is a purpose and lesson in all that God does or that He allows.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
- Paul also faced a multitude of hardships in his life, yet through it all his faith never wavered and his trust in God remained steadfast and sure.
2 Corinthians 11:23-27 KJV
23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
2 Corinthians 4:6-9 KJV
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
I heard Dr. Charles Stanley say recently that had not Paul been imprisoned in Rome we would not have had many of the epistles that lead us in the Christian pilgrimage. How true that statement is.
God definitely had a purpose to be achieved in the life of the apostle Paul, through his trials, tribulations and suffering.
If anyone has had reasons to be troubled or downtrodden, it would certainly be the Apostle Paul. But his faith and trust in God remained steadfast and sure. Paul knew that God was in total control and he trusted him to the very end.
Think a moment about the teachings of Paul.
- Through all of his trials and tribulations Paul told us “to be anxious for nothing.” In other words don't worry, but trust in God.
- He further teaches us to think about those things that are good. In other words, not to dwell on our problems and trials but to dwell on the good things that God has done for us , with steadfast faith that God will see us through whatever trial comes our way.
- Finally, he taught us in the Book of Romans that “all things work together for the good of those who love God.”
HOW DO TRIALS BENEFIT US?
Many times, things that come our way, come from God to work a positive in our life.
Usually, they are not immediately recognized as such, but as things unfold, we begin to see what God had in mind for us.
- The purpose may be to change our attitude.
- The purpose may be to draw us closer to Him.
- The purpose may be to deepen our faith and trust in Him.
- The purpose may be to teach us that He is in total control of all things.
- Like Paul, the purpose may be to make us less prideful.
It can’t be said enough that God always has a purpose for all things, which includes the trials that He allows in our lives.
There is always a lesson for us to find. A lesson that He wants us to learn.
And rest assured that if we remain steadfast and sure in our faith, God will see us through whatever trial comes our way.
Just as it was with Paul and all other Christians, our final trial will take us home to be with God. We can be assured that God will never leave us nor forsake us and will see us through it all.
CAN WE REJOICE, LIKE PAUL?
When troubles come, always remember that there is a lesson for us in all that God does or allows. Trials produce perseverance. They produce character. They produce hope. They help us grow in faith and closer to God. They teach us that God is the master of all things and He is in total control.
The apostle James also has told us to have joy in our trials as the trying of our faith helps us develop patience.
Let us close with the words of Paul;
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Heavenly Father, our prayer is that You will help us rejoice in our trials, knowing that you always have a purpose, and they are for our good.
RVH