![]() ![]() ![]() Sadly, most of us respond with murmuring or complaining when we face hardship of any kind-emotional, spiritual, mental, or physical. Psalm 107:22 appropriately speaks of this choice in terms of a sacrifice: “Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” To be thankful rather than to complain takes a conscious act of the will and a sacrifice of natural desires. Yet, Scripture is very clear about this response: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Sometimes being thankful in a challenging situation is the most difficult and unnatural thing you can do. How can we take advantage of these opportunities to mature spiritually? The following five responses are keys to enduring tests and trials through God’s grace: 1. You can be confident that God will not allow anything to happen to you without His permission, and He will not let any “bad thing” happen that will not ultimately bring you more good than destruction. However, if you choose to trust God to bring about His purposes through the suffering, you can avoid the trap of bitterness and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. Unless you accept God’s grace to deal with suffering, inevitably you will become bitter. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience And patience, experience and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3–5). (See II Corinthians 12:9.) As we, like Paul, choose to trust God and accept the grace He gives us, Christ’s character will be formed in us. ![]() Instead of despairing whenever he encountered trials, Paul said he would glory in his infirmities so that the power of Christ would rest upon him. The Apostle Paul regarded these “tests” as opportunities to grow spiritually. Temptations: opportunities to yield to our sinful nature.Tribulations: unusual pressures and challenges.Distresses: disappointments and deep emotional hurts.Necessities: wear and care of daily responsibilities.Persecutions: harassment and oppression due to religious convictions.Reproaches: ridicule and rejection on account of faith.Infirmities: physical limitations or illnesses.Fiery trials: intense encounters or struggles bursts of anger, grief, or lust.The Trials and Distresses We Encounterīelow are brief descriptions of eight types of trying situations that every Christian will likely face at some point: “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 Peter 4:12–13). By responding to trials with God’s grace, you will experience the power of God’s Spirit, which will be manifested in your life through the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. (See Romans 8:29.) As you mature in your faith, God uses the tests and trials you face to develop your character and ministry. God begins the supernatural work of transforming you, His child, into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, Who was and is perfect. He confirms your relationship with God, comforts you, and leads you into all truth. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in your spirit. When you respond to God’s grace and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are “born again” into the Kingdom of God. (See I Corinthians 2:14 and Romans 8:16–17.) Yet when we encounter difficulties, we often wonder, Why? Searching for answers and learning to view “bad things” as avenues to “good things” are disciplines that God wants His children to develop as they mature spiritually. What is a Christian to do when faced with disappointment, disaster, or despair? Scripture teaches us that “we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). ![]()
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