Trials. Who needs them? They’re stressful, discouraging…but can we gain from them? Do we come out wiser, stronger? In my life’s experiences, I must say that I praise the Lord for giving me tests, struggles, and trials every day. They keep me focused on Him, and bring me closer through every victory! Without the constant tugs of Satan, I might forget my huge need for Christ’s power in my life, and think that I could live without Him.
We are encouraged throughout scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy that trials are for our good. In my Clear Word Paraphrase, 1 Peter 1:7 reads like this: "There are blessings even in the midst of trouble. Such things test the genuineness of your faith which is more precious than gold, because it will last, while the gold of this world will perish. And when your faith is tested and tried, it will bring forth glory and honor to Christ. When he comes, you will share in his glory." When our faith is strong in Jesus, we will share eternal life with Him! And the way that our faith becomes strong is through nothing other than day by day trials. Testing of character and emotions. Satan giving us reason to believe that we are not loved or valued. The rough treatment of others, wearing on our self-pity. When we have victory over these weaknesses of the flesh, we will come forth as gold!
Sometimes it seems that Satan plants doubts in my mind—I’m not following Jesus in every detail of my life, I’ve taken over control instead of letting God control me, or I’m living my life for others instead of Him. All these doubts are contradicted by this statement: "A living experience is made up of daily trials, conflicts, and temptations, strong efforts and victories, and great peace and joy gained through Jesus." Testimonies to the Church Vol. 2 If we are experiencing trials and temptations, but resisting them and calling upon Jesus for assistance…we are truly having a living experience with God. That definitely casts out every doubt and fear possibly lurking in my mind!
Other times, discouragement sets in…trials seem to be overtaking me and it seems I am struggling through them totally on my own… "Those who stand in defense of the honor of God and maintain the purity of truth at any cost with have manifold trials, as did our Saviour in the wilderness of temptation…but precious victories will be theirs while they make God their dependence." Testimonies to the Church Vol.3 So, if we aren’t having trials, then we mustn’t be abiding in Christ! They are an indication that we are growing steadily through Jesus…we don’t need to be discouraged at all, but thankful!
"The trials that come to the members of His church are sent for their purification and their advancement." What a promise! When we find ourselves in the middle of a trying situation, we can remember that it was sent to us for a purpose—to purify and bring us closer to our Creator!
Remember friends, each day is special, a gift from God. He gives us strength for the moment…for the day. We are His precious children and every situation that we are in is brought about by His divine purpose…designed by Him for our betterment. We can be thankful in everything; a positive attitude is attainable!
"We have only to live one day at a time, and if we get acquainted with God, he will give us strength for what is coming to-morrow, grace sufficient for each day, and every day will find its own victories, just as it finds it trials."