At this time in my life, you would think that things would be going pretty smoothly. But, alas, not so much! I find myself going through several different things in all areas of my life, much like most of you do, I’m sure. Life is made up of seasons in the bible, some are easy and restful, some are a little more difficult, and then there is the ‘Dear Jesus, where are you’ seasons when you feel like nothing you do is right and everything is going wrong in your life. That is simply not true, that’s just what the devil wants us to believe and why we are not led by what we see or how we feel. Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” and on down in the 8th verse it says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”. I think that is great news!
It says in James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, for you know that testing of your faith produces steadfastness”. What James is saying is that ALL of us must go through seasons of difficulties where we will face trials. Trials are meant for our good, to strengthen and mature us in our faith walk with Christ. In other words, we would never grow without these trials that we each face everyday in our lives. God knows just what is necessary for us to experience and how much to permit in order to mature us to where we need to be. How we handle ourselves in these trials determines when we move and how far we move into the next season of life. Seeing life’s trials as a blessing, starts with having the right perspective. God’s perspective!
God also uses trials to turn us away from sin. Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word”. God will bring discipline into our lives if we stay and not turn from disobedience. He uses trials as a tool, to teach us what is good for us, to listen and be obedient to Him, and protect us from sin. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, it says that Paul was given a thorn in his flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment him. God did this to keep Paul from being in sin of pride, not that he was. Our God is a just God! 1 Peter 5:10 says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who had called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you”. Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulations, be constant in prayer”.
It says in Romans 8:28, “We know that, God works All things together for our good, for those who love God”. And Genesis 50:20 says, “What the enemy means for our harm, God turns it for our good!”
Since I have taken up a roll in leadership in the women’s ministry, my life has not been the same. It has been trial, after trial, after trial. Just when I think I’m going to get a breath, well here comes another trial. But I have chosen to stand firm in my decision to serve my God, my pastors, my church, and the women whom I love so very much. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “For my grace is sufficient, and my power is made perfect in weakness” and Galatians 6:9 says, ” Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap our harvest, if we do not give up”. So ladies, trials are very necessary to our growth and maturity in our faith walk with Christ. So we count it all joy and rejoice in them; because, we are to set an example for the world in how we live our lives. I refuse to give up and fall short of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, because that’s just what the enemy wants me to do! God bless you!
Written by Lisa Turner
