As we experience trials in our lives, we tend to wonder “Why?”, “Why is this happening to me?” We question what God is doing in and with our lives. Most of the time we will never see the ultimate work that God is doing, however there are Biblical answers to the “Why” question. Over the next few days I want to explore some of the reasons for our trials that God gives us from the Bible.
Our trials are designed to bring God glory. I know that many times we can’t see how our painful situations can possibly glorify God, but the Word teaches us that ultimately our trials can bring Him the glory He deserves.
1 Peter 1:7-9 that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Even though we don’t look at our trials as a precious event in our lives as we experience them, our God has a different view. They will some day bring Him the ultimate praise and glory due Him. God wants to use our trials as a way to bring Him glory. The key is how we react to those trials. Do we continue to trust God through them or do we spend our days complaining about our lot in life?
1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
I’ll admit it is not easy to rejoice in the midst of our trials, however if we remain faithful through them, there will come a time that God will be glorified, and we will rejoice that he counted us worthy to suffer for His sake.
We all need to be willing to suffer for the glory of God. It will be worth it some day.