Often when we are suffering, going through a trial, facing depression, being persecuted, etc. we react according to our circumstances. We don’t necessarily think biblical thoughts and direct the course of our life according to wisdom. We offer up all kinds of excuses for this type of wrong thinking: “I’m human.” “I deserve this moment of self-pity.” “I’m a victim of my circumstances.” And the list goes on. These excuses are really a direct hit against God.

What I believe we need is to refocus our attention on what God’s Word says about God’s purposes behind the testing. Let’s look at one that I hope will help us all…

²Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)

James doesn’t explain the cause of trials, he explains their purpose – perseverance that leads to maturity.

We don’t need to know the cause of our suffering as much as we need to know that there is a purpose behind it. This is where we discover hope in our pain. When we come to realize that God has a grand design to grow us spiritually through the pain we are experiencing then we have reached a pivotal point in our journey.

I’m not saying we can’t ask questions. But the tone of our questions will determine the condition of our hearts. If we react in an argumentative, bitter tone then we are shaking our fist at God and accusing Him of not being good. However, if we ask in a humble tone then we are opening our hearts up to God. Open hearts learn while clenched fists languish.

As we face trials, and certainly we will, let’s be confident that God has a sovereign plan for the trials. We then can find joy even in the pain.

Grace & Peace,