Rejoicing in the midst of trial.

 

Let’s admit it. Life is not easy, especially when you are going through change. Most of the time we wonder why the change happened and we fight it instead of embracing it. I mean, look outside. Fall is upon us. Leaves are starting to change their colors and they are slowly letting go of the branches that once seemed so familiar. Who doesn’t like a change that brings immediate joy and comfort? But what about the changes that require us to let go of our comfort zone and step into the unknown? It’s so easy to misunderstand these kinds of changes. Our natural reaction is to think that we’re on our own, so we start doubting the heart of God. If God was good, why did He let this happen? Where is God when you need Him the most? Does God even care? The reality is that God always wants the best for us and He knows the reasons behind everything that happens in our lives. I’m not just saying that because it sounds good; I’m saying it because I have come to believe it and it has drastically shaped my way of thinking. He is right there when we need Him the most! And to answer the last question- yes, God does care about you, even when everything around you tells you otherwise. So, why don’t we see the truth? Because we need to look with the right eyes. When you let God shape the way your think, you start seeing in a whole different dimension. God uses challenges in our lives to help us become stronger. If we never had to believe the impossible, how would our faith grow? It wouldn’t. That’s why God allows challenges, sometimes even suffering to come into our lives. He knows our hearts better than us and sees way beyond what we see. If you want hope in the place of anxiety when you find yourself in the midst of a trial, trust God. Don’t focus on the hardship, but rather focus on the way it shapes and builds up your character. Don’t fall in defeat, instead, rise up in faith because you know God is with you!! Even when you feel like you can’t go on anymore, or when it seems like it’s more than you can take! God has already supplied you with the strength that you need, and all you have to do is go on! He knows just how much we can carry on our shoulders and not a tear falls without His notice. How do we overcome? We seek God- the source of our strength. It’s on our knees where our souls are rejuvenated. Prayer is the place where we find refuge and peace. It’s where we receive the courage to believe and the hope to look ahead to a better tomorrow. The things that we learn in our sufferings are among the deepest of all things and we couldn’t have learned them otherwise. One day we’ll look back and understand why it had to be this way. Wait on God. Wait in faith and be courageous! Take one day at a time and run to Him when you are desperate for help. Those who persevere will be rewarded greatly. Rejoice!

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)