Trials: February 21, 2011

TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2011

TRIALS

DEFINITION:

Being tried or tested; subjected to suffering or grief; distress; affliction or trouble; a troublesome, wearing or annoying thing or person.

SCRIPTURE:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2.

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you." I Peter 4:12.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

During these past days we have had so many people share with us some of the “trials’ that they are going through. This includes friends that have been diagnosed with cancer or other similar diseases. Some have shared with us their concerns for their deep financial crises and their family concerns. We have heard from many Christians and Christian leaders and pastors living in third world countries who are being persecuted severely for their faith in our Lord.

God did not promise us a "rose garden” when we became Christians. In this life we will have trials. Everyone does, but Christians have God's promise that He will go with us through the trials. When friends tell us about their “trials” our response is consistent. We first assure them of our prayers and we do not neglect praying for them. We then urge them to put their complete trust in the Lord and to not try to carry the load themselves.

Paul suffered many trials on his missionary journeys. He was beaten. He was thrown in prison. While preaching in Macedonia and testifying to the Jews, the Jews became so abusive to him that Paul just gave up on them. It was then that the Lord appeared to him and said: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent, for I am with you." [Acts 18:9-10]. As a result Paul stayed there for a year and a half continuing to preach the Word of God.

Life, for most people today, is a series of trials. We do not know how stormy today will be but we do know that we will face trials. Peter warns us not to be surprised when we are faced with trials as if it were strange. Trials are a fact of life. (I Peter 4:12 above)

James also teaches us that it isn’t a question of “if” we will face trials but “when.” He also tells us to have a positive attitude in the midst of our trials and turn our suffering into a time of learning. It is through the tough times that we learn perseverance and patience.

One thing we are certain of is that if we have Jesus in our lives, our day will be victorious and our future is secure. Jesus has not failed us in the past and He will not fail us today or in the tomorrows.

Perhaps your world has collapsed. It may be a deep personal loss, a tragedy in your family, a loss of a job, a financial setback or even a family spat. Jesus is bigger then any crisis you might face today. He can rebuild your life. God can turn any trial into an opportunity. All you have to do is let God do His thing through your life. Reading God's Word and praying are the keys to conquering trials.

Possibly you hesitate or even question as to how you can put your “trial” in the hands of the Lord. You may say that you have tried but you still have the “trial” as a huge concern. But the key to letting God have your trial is that first you must have the assurance that you have accepted Christ into your heart. Please notice we said into your heart. Some people only accept Jesus with head knowledge and that is not what God wants.

Secondly, you must make a commitment that God is first in your life in all that you do --- not in some things or only on Sunday. You must be willing to let God have control. When you are totally committed daily to Him then as you read the Bible and pray, He will take over your “trial”.

No trial is too large for God to intervene and no person is too small that God does not care for them. We are reminded that during trials in our lives, when we leave it all for Him, God prepares to do something wonderful through our lives. He always begins a victory with a trial or difficulty. We must be ready to let go and let God.

Happiness keeps you sweet, TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG, sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble, success keeps you glowing, but only God keeps you going.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 26:2.

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.

PRAYER:

Thank You dear Lord that thy Word assures us that You are with us through every trial that we may face today. Help us not to be fearful when a trial comes our way but to give You our trials and put our trust in You. Protect our family in all of the activities we have and help us to live lives that honor and glorify Your Son.