Blessing of Trials

Hi friends, if you are going through a trial, just went through one or are about to enter one, I think you should read this. I myself have been in ongoing trials pretty much all my life. Most of the times one follows the other, but in all honesty, life is composed of a series of trials that mold and shape us to become the man or woman God wants us to be. Even though it might seem you are standing against the wall; I can assure that when the storm ceases, and the sun comes out if you look closely you will perceive the blessings.Let’s start by discussing what a trial is. According to the webster dictionary, a trial is defined as a person, thing, or situation that tests a person’s endurance or forbearance. James 1:3, Explains that trials are a test, they reveal what you know, and the depth of your relationship with the Lord. Through the facing of trials, you will know what is inside of your heart. As the Pastor Tony Evans puts it, God allows trials to reveal where we are along our spiritual journey, to correct us when necessary, and to strengthen us for the journey ahead.

In order to be blessed by them, we need to have a proper perspective of trials. 1st  we need to know that every single human being goes through them. No one is exempt or has a golden ticket to go through life without facing trials (sickness, family problems, financial crisis, death or tragedies). We need to remember that we don’t live in a perfect world and as a result, this sort of things happens. Secondly, I often hear said that the trials and situations in life that we face are too strong for us to bear. That is a lie for we have the power through Christ to face them. You know trials happen to everyone, doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or not, the Lord provides a way out for every single situation you may face.


What trials develop in us and how it turns into blessings:
>Perseverance
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:1-3, NIV).>Character
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-4,NLT)>Closeness with the Lord and His commandments
“My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71, NLT)>Wisdom
 “You need  wisdom to know how to face the trial and what God intends to do with it. You need wisdom to make it through the trial and not turn to the world.” Shelbey Johnson

>Reveals  Flaws
 “The Holy Spirit of God will mold you into the person you were made to be.
 This often incredible process strips you of selfishness, pride, and fear.” 
Francis Chan

>Strength
“But just as painful workouts can take an athlete to a greater level of strength, trials and troubles can strengthen us if we allow them. God’s goal for each of us is to become a mature Christian. God’s method to bring us to maturity often includes trials.”
Tony Evans

>Makes you holier
“What you need to focus on is not your pain, but your Savior. God didn’t save you to take you to heaven, that’s a finge benefit. God saves you to make you holy as He is holy.”
Adrian Rogers

>Crown of Life in Heaven
Did you know that we will receive a heavenly crown of life if we persevere in trials, as well as earthly gifts if we respond properly to them. “ 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.” (James 1:12) I don’t know about you, but I would love to have a crown in Heaven.

Trials have many purposes as we have learned, but ultimately you are the one who chooses whether you will have a positive outlook and learn what the Lord desires you to know or you can choose to let the situation control how you feel. As a good pastor named Shelbey Johnson said, You can’t choose what happens to you, but you can choose how you react to it. I desire and pray that as you read this you would take control of the situation and choose to see the glass half full. Trusting that the Lord is working in your things you are unable to see right now, that He hasn’t left your side once and He never will and that He has everything under control. Just as the lyrics of a song called “Come to me” by Jenn Johnson says, “I am the Lord your God I go before you now, I stand beside you, I am all around you. And though you feel I’m far away, I’m closer than your breath, I am with you more than you know.” ( Check out the video down bellow) 

Don’t loose heart and think that this trial is too much to bare. Is there anything too hard for the Lord?! Definitely not! He is the Creator of the Universe, He is the one keeping you in existence right now. He is the same One who opened the sea for the Israelites, the One who healed lepers, the blind and sick. He is the One who gave his son Jesus Christ to come to earth and experience the physical pain of the cross and the emotional pain of being neglected by his own people for YOU!! You can conquer this present situation through Jesus Christ; remember that He already conquered the world and you have the power to do it through Him,“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Application

• PRAY: I encourage you right now to stop reading and go before the Lord and be totally honest with Him. Ask Him to guide you and strengthen you in this situation. I remember not long ago as I was experiencing a difficult situation in my life, I went boldly to the Lord and told Him that I was tired of this trial, as a result I felt weak and weary, and that I wasn’t strong enough to face it. Not five minutes passed by, when I turn on the radio and a preacher was quoting the following verse, “ Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
 The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth. 
He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
 They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31). Talk about instant messaging with God: ). He is there waiting to bless you if you allow Him. He desires to carry your burdens and renew you with His supernatural strength.

• STUDY:  “Study who God is and His attributes.  If you have a deeper understanding of His power, it will be easier for you to trust Him with your life.“(Jason Dennet)  A.W. Tozer’s books on the subject are a great resource ( The Knowledge of the Holy and The Attributes of God.)

• SPEAK: Don’t keep things to yourself, go to your pastor, a mentor, a godly friend or a family member who loves the Lord.  Remember we are called as followers of Christ to share our burdens.  You don’t have to go through this alone, “Carry each other’s burden’s and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatian 6:2)

• JOURNAL:  A great friend and mentor encouraged me to start a journal of prayers.  I urge you to do the same, it will help you remember how the Lord has worked and restored you from past situations.

I hope this has blessed and encouraged you. If you have any questions or comments feel free to post them and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Know that even though I don’t know you, I am praying for you!

With love, Grecia