Life, and all its twists and turns throws us curve balls we are often ill-prepared for. We can go to sleep on top of the world but wake up amid a crisis; then suddenly we are laying in a ditch wondering how we got there. If we are wise, we recognize that this is the essence of life. That no matter who we are, our race, gender, ethnicity or financial status, obstacles and trials will and do come. However, no matter what obstacles we may go through, God promises to be there and to see us through. Psalms 46:1-2 tells us that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea”.
“Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Behold, I have refined you but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction” (Isaiah 48:10)
Obstacles and Trials Come to Try Us
If we all had a choice, no one would voluntarily sign up to go through trials. In fact, we would make it our mission to avoid them all together. Understanding that obstacles are a part of life, we can deduce that just as good times don’t last forever, neither do the bad times. Yes, there will be times when it seems like every step forward takes us two steps back. Even still, there are times we may feel we are not moving at all. But it’s during those times we must not quit, for in quitting we stop growing. If we stop growing, how then can we be tested, and if untested, how can we realize our fullest potential. Maturity means accepting that obstacles come to try us, to refine us. “For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity”. (Ecclesiasticus 2:5).
“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of the Messiah” (1 Peter 1:7)
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:” (1 Peter 4:12)
Every Trial Tests and Grows Our Faith
Every trial tests and grows our faith, so we should not be surprised when they occur. 1 Thessalonians 3:3 states, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” Yes, such trials and tribulations are indeed God’s will for His children; but as James 1:12 states “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those that love Him”.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:3)
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” (Zechariah 13:9)
How We Go Through Plays a Part
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:3-4)
We don’t always have control over the obstacles that impede us or the trials that test our resolve. However, we have control over how we react during those trying times or challenges. How we go through plays a huge part in how or if we get through. When the obstacles seem like unsurmountable huddles, do we fold or hold? When trials come knocking, do we arm ourselves and prepare to fight through; or do we cower away and wave the white flag of surrender? Which ever decision we make, it will have far-reaching consequences. Some ask, “why me”, but why ask why if you know it is a part of life. Others blame The Most High for their plight rather than taking some responsibility. When our path seems uncertain and the trials too overwhelming, we are to trust in the Lord and he will navigate us through.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight”(Proverbs 3:5-6)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8)
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
We too shall overcome!
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