I have shared in the past the unique nature of our faith that we celebrate the trials and tribulations in life as they bring us closer to God. I don’t know about you, but I can think back on my life and when I am most prayerful. It is always when I am on my knees and needing God the most. Those are the times when I feel like all else is lost and I am powerless without Him. In times of plenty, prayers of thanks never seem to come from my heart as much as the prayers in pain and suffering. It is in those times that I find myself closest to God. “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…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 who love him” (James 1:2 and 12, NIV)
I am not saying we should seek pain and suffering to be closer to God, but I am saying that we should recognize the peace and comfort we have in those moments by trusting in God. Our blessings are not in the suffering, instead, those are the moments that we can truly feel God’s blessing when we are comforted and find peace that is beyond understanding. It is the ability to smile at a fond memory of a lost loved one knowing that they are no longer suffering from their long battle with illness. It is the comfort in knowing that the hard days will pass, and on the other side you will still be standing strong and well enough to battle another day. It is the ability to make friends and find moments of laughter even while sitting in a war zone with mortars coming in daily recognizing in every breath you take that life is fragile and a gift. It’s not about celebrating the trials, but in recognizing that the difficulties creates the perseverance in us. The next trial is faced with greater ease trusting and believing in God based on our own experiences. We then share our stories and help others in their difficult moments furthering God’s work in all of us. Isn’t that a gift? The life that God promises us is not one without trials. God promises us that He will never leave us, even in those trials. I’ll take that promise and I will continue to love Him.
Today, I pray that you not dwell in the pain and difficulties but recognize how you have persevered and overcome while trusting in God. See the blessings in the difficulties and recognize your strength found in your faith in God.
I pray these words spoke to you, please share with a friend. Don’t miss a blog post, subscribe to my web page.
