Many of us are facing trials and tribulations right now. Some are facing worse trials than others, but the hardships are debilitating nonetheless. The varying degrees of trials range from unemployment, great financial loss, sickness/disease, and tragedy; to the loss of a loved one, depression, and heartache. Always remember that the Creator of the Universe is deeply involved with every facet and nuance of your life. In other words, He knows your pain and holds the unravelled wisps of thread that were once part of a beautiful fabric called your life. He continues to hold it and weave it as He wishes until the appointed time of unveiling.
I don’t claim to know all the mysteries of God, but having gone through a plethora of trials myself and having stood by in prayer with others going through some major life altering tribulations, I can make some guesses utilizing the Bible as to why and how.
He Disciplines His Children
Many of us have been operating outside of God’s will in certain areas of our lives for years maybe even decades without any consequence or opposition from Him. Since He was waiting for you to repent and did not, He is now taking the initiative to discipline you. If this is the case, ask God for mercy and forgiveness and turn away from the sin He is steering you away from. He shows great mercy by disciplining you so you can repent here on earth rather than for eternity in Hell. It is better for you to gauge one eye out and reach heaven, than to reach hell with both eyes intact. (Mark 9:47) Show some fear and reverence for God and repent already; for this is His will for you.
Romans 2:4-6
Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds.
Hebrews 12:6-7
My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
He Tests His Children
Many claim to be followers of Jesus, but don’t actually follow His commands and precepts. Others profess Christianity for show, but when no one else is watching, God is far from them. He sees our true hearts and motives. Some of us do great things for God, but don’t have true love for Him or our brethren that He places in our Post. He tests us, but not for likely reasons. He already knows our character and hearts since He has watched every frame of our lives from beginning to end. He tests us for our sake; to move us along in our character development. It is an honor to be tested and tried by God even though it can be painful. If He didn’t bother with us, it means He is not vested in us.
God allowed Satan to test Job. He bragged to Satan that Job was upright and unlike anyone on earth. Satan contested that Job was only upright because he had a wonderful life with riches, family, and glory. So God allowed Satan to do as he wished; except take his life. Job lost everything within days. He suffered every trial and tribulation listed above, yet he didn’t curse God or turn his back on God. Job was angry, but he did not sin against God.
Job 13:15-16
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before Him.
He Refines His Children
The quickest way for a person to grow and mature is to overcome adversity. The more adversity is thrown your way, the heavier the burden; the more your muscles of faith have to work. If you didn’t have any muscles, they will develop over time. If your trials seem to escalate to higher grounds, He is pruning you for His Great Army to do good works for His Glory.
Malachi 3:2-3
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.
He has a Purpose for all His Children
He has a specific purpose for everyone of us; appointing us to our unique Post. No one will be greater than the other. Some of us have big jobs, some have small, some will be rich, others will be poor. Some will experience fame and glory while others will be forgotten. Some will suffer greatly, some will be taken abruptly, while others will be around until the end. All must trust, obey, and love one God. No one can understand or fathom the mysteries of God. He allows us to go through specific circumstances for His purposes and at His appointed times. But in the end, we will see and hear all the answers to life’s unanswered questions.
Watch on YouTube
I am going to ask you to watch two videos on YouTube pertaining to this topic. It is very important that you watch both videos. In total, it’s close to 100 minutes long, so set aside some time to watch the videos back to back. It’s like watching an action and suspense movie, except it’s a reality television show from the U.K.
You will watch an experiment that is life changing. This show illustrates how the host Derren Brown manipulates a man’s environment to lead him through a series of trials and circumstances to develop and improve his character. While watching it, think of how God orchestrates our lives to develop us and bring us closer to Him. Watching it will change your perspective on your current trials and hardships. It will also make you realize just how much God controls every aspect of our lives. All you have to do is trust Him!
Watch on Youtube
Derren Brown ~ Apocalypse ~ Full Pt 1 ~ 47 Min.
Derren Brown ~ Apocalypse ~ Full Pt 2 ~ 47 Min 36 Sec
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