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Rejoicing in Trials

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Are you struggling to understand why youre in a tough spot today? “Im such a nice person,” you may say. “Why does God allow difficult things to happen to me?”

One reason we experience trials is to enable us to comfort others who are hurting. Christians who are walking with the Lord have much to share regarding the blessings God has given them in times of deep need or sorrow.

As a follower and believer in Jesus, how do you respond to trials? Do others turn to you for counsel because they sense Gods comforting presence in your life? Its powerful when you can say, “Because of a similar situation, I think I understand what youre going through. Let me share what God did for me.”

Paul says in Romans 5, “We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope.”

In the ministry of comfort, Gods Word comes alive, and His promises become active and real. Suddenly you understand why you went through your hardship. Praise God, it was worth it, as He uses your experience to draw people to the cross of Jesus Christ!

Peace in the Storm

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The apostle Paul wrote in Romans that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God.”

Even the most severe pressures and struggles of daily life cant separate us from the tenderness and compassion of our Heavenly Father. On the contrary, when we feel as though our world is falling apart, Gods power and grace are magnified.

Paul is not saying that we wont face disappointment, suffering, or conflict in life. But he is saying that no Christian need ever despair. Why? Because we worship the God of all comfort–the God who is sufficient for every pressure of life.

As a missionary once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict from life but the ability to cope with it.” The God of all comfort can provide that “copeability” in the midst of any crisis.

This peace in the midst of the storm is something that non-believers cant experience, because they dont have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They dont have the Holy Spirit strengthening them. Thats why it is such a powerful witness when you and I point people to the Savior of the world, who offers hope, healing, and forgiveness.

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

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National Football League running back Sherman Smith had a reputation for bowling over defensive linesmen. This raised his celebrity to near-cult status. Then, without warning, Shermans team traded their most popular player to the San Diego Chargers. Everything changed overnight for him. He wasnt with the Chargers for more than a few weeks when he blew out his knee.

But Sherman was also a committed follower of Jesus Christ. And he knew that more than football, his main mission in life was to share Gods message of salvation. So while in rehabilitation, Sherman prayed, Lord, why did you ship me here? Whats your plan in all of this? How do you want to use me?

While Shermans knee mended, God answered his prayers by allowing him to lead one of his teammates to the Lord. That converted party-man, Miles McPherson, is now an outstanding youth evangelist who reaches thousands each year with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

You may not understand why God has you in a certain situation. But instead of despairing, take a lesson from Sherman. Ask God how He wants to use you right where you are. And He will!

Returning to Jesus

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Pete was a 25-year-old man who told me he had a problem. He had become a follower of Jesus a few years ago, but then, “all of a sudden,” he said, “my faith just died out.” He told me, “Ive stopped reading the Word, and Ive stopped going to church. It all seemed to happen one day. What should I do?”

I told Pete to look at the book of Acts, where we see how the new believers sustained their faith. Its a great model to follow. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”

The first thing Pete needed to do was to pray, asking the Lord for forgiveness and for the strength to follow Him.

Second, he needed to have a daily walk with God, reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.

I also encouraged Pete to find a group of men to meet with for fellowship and accountability, in addition to attending a Bible-believing church.

I tell you, I meet many people like Pete who have similar stories of falling away from the faith. Many wonder if God would ever take them back, and they feel so guilty. You and I need to be the voice of truth, reminding them that Jesus has already paid the price on the cross.

So lets be prepared to gently encourage them back into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

An Eternal Difference

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I met Miguel a few years ago. He asked me a very interesting question. “Luis,” he said, “What would happen if I chose one religion instead of another? Is it really going to make that much of a difference?”

“Oh yes,” I replied. “There is a big difference – an eternal difference. Jesus Christ said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”

I told Miguel that Jesus is the only way to know God personally, have your sins forgiven, and experience eternal life.

I also explained to Miguel that beyond the eternal ramifications, living without God through Jesus Christ makes for a very confusing life. Youre on your own. You have no sense of guidance, or purpose. One of the great things that Jesus Christ does, is He answers the questions, “Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I alive?”

Do you know someone like Miguel, who is questioning the relevancy of Christianity? You and I must tell these seekers that what they choose to believe will have eternal consequences. Challenge them to read the Bible, with an open mind.

In the book of Jeremiah, God promises, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” If your friend is truly searching for the Lord, He will be found.