LIFE IS WONDERFUL, EXCEPT WHEN IT’S NOT
- Key Verse
"So that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them." (I Thessalonians 3:3, NIV)
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Central Truth
Trials are an undeniable part of this life and we are destined to have them. The Lord uses them in our lives to grow and strengthen us.
Reflections
As I write this today I am so very thankful for the many blessings I have in my life. Today is Thanksgiving, and I am reminded that the Lord has given me so much: the gift of salvation, a wonderful family and great friends, my health, a good job, freedom and the opportunity to live in this great country.
But as I think about these things I am also reminded that in this life there are trials that come our way to challenge us at our very core. Just this week, I learned that a friend is going through a tough divorce from an abusive and alcoholic spouse, a family has a precious three-year-old sick with cancer, and another friend has lost a job.
These trials and challenges can shake even the strongest among us. They can make us doubt God’s love for us or cause us to question if He is even there. In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul, Silas and Timothy have just been chased out of Macedonia. Paul is reaching out to the new believers in Thessalonica who were being persecuted by sending Timothy to them to encourage them. Paul says that they should expect these trials and afflictions.
Why? Why does God allow trials in our life and how should we respond to these trials when they come? I think He allows them for the purpose of strengthening our faith and making us stronger. But this will only happen if we are obedient to Him and trust in His wisdom. We must look to Him and depend completely on Him to carry us through these trials. John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (NASB)
Praise the Lord that He has overcome the world and we can trust Him even through the most difficult times in our lives.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you been through a trial or a really tough time recently? How did you respond?
2. How have you seen God work in our trials to strengthen us when we trust in Him?
3. How can you encourage someone else who is going through a trial right now and point them towards Christ?
David
March 25, 2010 05:33 AM
A BIG AMEN Sister! Knowing our God allows trials has really changed the way I view my challenges. The thing that has been encouraging to me is that there has always been blessing on the other side of my pain. God is so awesome! Thank you for the great reminder!
Gary Brandenburg
March 25, 2010 09:12 AM
You said it all in your title, "Life is wonderful, except when it's not." The corollary is "Life is what happens while we're making other plans." Thanks for offering a little perspective to start the day.
jgarellano
March 25, 2010 11:54 AM
Shelley, Thank you for the timely reminder that God is my peace in times of distress.
March 25, 2010 12:30 PM
WOW! perfect timing for today....thanks Shelley that you have reminded me that YES trials will come along like vs. 3 states - every single day - but HE is on the Throne and able to do more than I even could imagine...if - i'm obedient to surrender MY will. appreciate this!