Thank God for the trials and tribulations :)

One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a follower of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Trials and tribulations are a part of our everyday lives and obviously has a divine purpose. Trust me, I've had my share of  trials lately that has shaken me to the core of my being. Not only have I been though a lot but I've gotten texts, emails, and calls from other christian friends who too are going through things. In my own life, I had to leave my beautiful home due to an unexpected rat problem. My little precious cockapoo, Sadie, ran away. My husband's overseas with a high demanding, time consuming, stressful job which keeps him traveling a lot. I've had a relapse in my fibromyalgia which afflicts every joint in my body, causing pain, and making it difficult to take care of my kids. (thankfully relapses only last for a few days)  We been in a location to where we haven't found a great church to call our place of worship. Through it all, I ask God why do you allow me go through things to test my faith in you? Surely, if He loved me, He would take all these things away from me. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t.

The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification; that is, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way the trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7: "

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Jesus Christ set the perfect example. He did the will of his father, endured suffering, shame, and death with one purpose in mind. To save us from from our sins and to help us escape the penalty of hell. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).  God encourages us to rejoice when we goes through hard times and to continue to pray. He is forming us into a stronger, more patient, Godly, and better overall person if we learn that everything works together for the good! Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Romans 12:12)


Through my trials I have hope in knowing that God will be with me, strenghten my spirtually and make me a stronger person. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4,12 Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." These verses encourage us to see that although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
So be encouraged, for I am encouragedl that I have God's word to comfort me, lead me through this life, and give me promises to make it through the difficult times. We all have our good days and our bad days but it will all work out in the end and we will reap our rewards in heaven. Be blessed and have a great week.