One of the surprises that comes to new believers is the presence of trials and difficulties in their lives. Having heard about the victories and interventions experienced by more mature Christians, the assumption is made that following Jesus will bring quick changes in whatever area needs changing. Because human beings tend to limit what God can change, a great deal of dying to self and being emptied of our ideas is often called for. In mercy, God carefully orchestrates the timing and manifestation of the trials. so that they will be a blessing. Accordingly, trials are essential—blessings disguised in rough packing cases as a British pastor used to say. Instead of suggesting that the believer has been abandoned by God, trials are sometimes veritable answers to prayer.
If you look at Daniel's various trials, you will discover that they all ended up being blessings that could have come no other way. The same was also true for Joseph when he was sold by his brothers as a slave, and entered God's special preparatory training that would enable him to successfully serve as the second highest person in all of Egypt. In other words, many of our trials, seen through the eyes of faith, are really "praise the Lord" experiences!
Accordingly, understanding the role of trials is critically important. Therefore this page is dedicated to instructing on the important subject of trials.
"Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"
This is a pretty complete study on trials and difficulties in the Bible. By way of direction instruction and example, the Bible gives a wealth of information on the need and blessing of suffering.
"We do not always consider that the sanctification we so earnestly desire and for which we pray so earnestly is brought about through the truth and, by the providence of God, in a manner we least expect. When we look for joy, behold there is sorrow. When we expect peace, we frequently have distrust and doubt because we find ourselves plunged into trials we cannot avoid. In these trials we are having the answers to our prayers."
"Trials are essential in order that we may be brought close to our heavenly Father, in submission to his will, that we may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. God's work of refining and purifying the soul must go on until his servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that when called into active service, they may have an eye single to the glory of God. Then they will not move rashly from impulse, and imperil the Lord's cause because they are slaves to temptation and passion, because they follow their carnal desires; but they will move from principle and in view of the glory of God. The Lord brings his children over the same ground again and again, increasing the pressure until perfect humility fills the mind, and the character is transformed; then they are victorious over self, and in harmony with Christ and the Spirit of heaven."
"We will not have a murmuring thought because we have trials. God’s dear children always had them, and every trial well endured here will only make us rich in glory. I crave the suffering part. I would not go to Heaven without suffering if I could, and see Jesus who suffered so much for us to purchase for us so rich an inheritance; and to see the martyrs who laid down their lives for the truth, and the sake of Jesus. No, no. Let me be perfected through sufferings. I long to be a partaker with Christ of His sufferings, for if I am, I know I shall be partaker with Him of His glory." {Lt9-1851.3}
Trust God!
James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
"Many become the sport of the enemy, because when temptation comes, they do not rest in Jesus, but worry themselves out of his arms, and in perplexity lose all their faith and courage. They do not remember that Jesus has helped them out of difficulties in the past, that his grace is sufficient for the daily trials, and that he can help in the present trouble." {RH May 19, 1891, par. 4}
"You may not understand the way in which God is leading you, you may not be filled with joy, but may be in heaviness because of temptation; but in all this it is your privilege to say, “I believe the Lord will give me the things I have asked for. I can and will trust God.” When you have done this, be thankful, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience." {RH May 19, 1891, par. 8}
"When we talk discouragement and gloom, Satan listens with fiendish joy; for it pleases him to know that he has brought you into his bondage. Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words; and from his long knowledge of human family, he can shape his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us." {RH May 19, 1891, par. 9}
"You are to believe that Jesus knows just what you need, and will supply all your wants; so you can go on in faith, saying “I have laid my burden upon the Lord, and I will not lay it upon any human being. God will hear and answer my prayers.” Satan may say, “You do not feel any better, you are just as miserable as ever.” But tell him you believe that God will do just as he said, and rest your whole weight on his promise." {RH May 19, 1891, par. 11}
Here are a few trials on God's care and loving concern as we experience trials.
Find quotes on trials on this page.