by Kelly Dixon
Reading: Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 12:2
When our family goes through life trials, there is one question I have learned to ask myself – “Why is God allowing this trial?” Many Christians recognize they must rely on God to strengthen them to go through trials, but sometimes it becomes frustrating when we feel like we are relying on God and doing everything right according to His Word, but still there seems no end in sight. That is when you must begin to really investigate why God is allowing this trial to continue in your life.
First, in discovering the answer to this question, we must realize that trials are a normal part of righteous living. . Therefore, God uses trials in our lives to accomplish the following:
First, in discovering the answer to this question, we must realize that trials are a normal part of righteous living. . Therefore, God uses trials in our lives to accomplish the following:
- God uses trials to reveal our heart. Deut. 13:3b states, “The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” The Lord already knows our hearts. However, He uses trials to reveal to us our real priorities: Are we focused on the blessings He has granted and the promises He’s fulfilled? Is our relationship with Him most important? Once we recognize that the trial is a part of righteous living, this realization in itself provides a goal for us to live towards. Focusing on the goal of righteous living draws us to the conclusion that we must develop a closer relationship with the Lord. Many times as we grow closer to Him, He reveals to us issues in our heart that we must address.
- God uses trials to develop perseverance. James 1:2-4 states, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Many times when we think about God developing perseverance in our lives we feel overwhelmed and feel it is impossible to accomplish. However, when we back up and look at some of the synonyms for perseverance we should look beyond the one of patience and look at the words of determination, commitment and resolve. Now, are these things we have accomplished in the past? Have you not been determined to complete a project before and committed to see it through to the end? Therefore, you are familiar with these God-given skills. By beginning with what you already know and placing your faith wholeheartedly in God, the impossible task of developing perseverance will come.
- God uses trials as a way to reward us. God rewards us when we pass successfully through a season of trials. James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” I have recently come through a time of trial where I have seen immediate rewards. Through my recommitting myself to the Lord and focusing on Him instead of the circumstance, He has given me the peace that He promises in Philippians 4:6-7. The reward is great and I thank the Lord for the trial!
When we investigate our hearts and lives as to why the Lord is allowing the trials of our lives, we grow in our Christian walk. We also begin to rely more on Him and trust that He has a reason for why we are to endure the trial. You can rest assured that the Father loves you with the deepest love and that He has only the best in mind for you and your family.
If you are in the midst of a trying period and feel that you are doing everything right but not seeing an end, then draw closer to the Lord and let Him reveal more to you about your heart. In doing so, you will develop not only perseverance but spiritual rewards that will break you free of the trial with a great joy in your heart and gratitude to the Lord!
If you are in the midst of a trying period and feel that you are doing everything right but not seeing an end, then draw closer to the Lord and let Him reveal more to you about your heart. In doing so, you will develop not only perseverance but spiritual rewards that will break you free of the trial with a great joy in your heart and gratitude to the Lord!
Prayer: Father, Thank You for loving me even during the times of my wavering trust. I know You have a purpose for my life and I search for that purpose. Give me the wisdom to know Your will and the strength to face the things in my heart that are keeping me from drawing closer to You. Help me always to keep my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of my faith. Amen
