Life is full of all kinds of trials that discourage us, frustrate us and oftentimes leave us bewildered and devestated. Yet the Lord tells us not to be so surprised at the fiery trials we face as if something strange were happening to us (1 Pet 4:12). He encourages us by reminding us if we share in his sufferings, we will also share in His glory.
Have you ever wondered WHY we have to face so many difficulties in this life? Sometimes we feel gut punched, unable to breathe. So many times we don't understand WHY, but God gives us some clues to understand what we are going through.
These present trials are for a purpose - they are preparing us for a future glory that Christ promises to those who share in His sufferings. Trials are never meant to destroy us. God always brings us THROUGH them, to the other side, victorious. Is. 43 tells us to fear not, because He is with us, and He has called us by name, we are His. He promises to be with us when we walk through the fire. We will not be burned. When the waters rise, we will not drown, because He is our God. He has called us to be overcomers, more than conquerors. If we never go through any trials - the waters and the fire- we don't have anything to overcome. And these trials produce faith, which is worth far more than gold. They are transforming us, molding us, building God's character in us, and preparing us to live in God's presence. Our life on this earth is one giant trial that is fashioning us into a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God. . .1 Pet 2:9 We are to live our lives as strangers on this earth (1 Pet 1:17). We have been chosen - chosen to become the people of God, set apart unto Him, His workmanship, His masterpiece - and we are being transformed into His likeness until that day that He calls us unto Himself, the day where we will no longer see through a fog, with glassy eyes, but we will see Him face to face, unveiled.
Know that every trial is producing something good in us. Trials change us. We are becoming the people of God, and our faith and trust in God is becoming strong. It has a purpose. It is not in vain, but is producing for us a future glory. Remember that He doesn't lead us into the desert and leave us to die, He is leading us through to the Promised Land!
