Joyful in spite of trials
What trial(s) are you currently facing? How do you deal with it and what sorts of things surface as a result? Do you find you are irritated, angry, sad, frustrated, insecure, …? Trials give us an opportunity to see what is really at work within us, and anything that is not good can be identified and disposed of—if we choose. The purifying of metals is much the same: as the heat rises, the impurities rise to the top and can be skimmed or poured off. The “skimming off” of impurities happens as we look at things in the light of truth, repent of the attitudes which are not born out of love for God and man, and purpose to walk in a new way. But this is not something that “just happens”. We must take deliberate action. (I John 1:9, and Romans 12:1-2)
The trials you and I face are not so much about ‘testing’ to show whether or not we have faith. Rather they have the potential to be about strengthening the faith that is already present. I say potential, because you and I are free to choose how we will respond and that choice will either strengthen or erode our relationship with God. In this light, a trial is a wonderful opportunity for our faith to grow deeper, our understanding broader, and our love stronger. How will you choose to respond to trials today?
Read and pray: Psalm 119:73-76, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, Heb. 4:16
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