There is a popular belief in so called Christian circles today that good health and
success is a sign of the blessing of God upon your life. May I tell you that this is a
false belief! If it were true, how would one explain the life of Moses, Abraham, King
David, the disciples, the Apostle Paul? These saints of God endured many hardships
during their lives, and all had the blessing of God upon them!
I read this quote today, "The weight of trials gives our feet spiritual traction." The
Lord allows the trials and tribulations that we experience for two reasons. The first
reason is to draw us closer to Him. It is when the storms of life are at their fiercest
that we cling the hardest to the Rock of our Salvation. Psalms 61:2 "From the end
of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the
Rock that is higher than I." If we had a life void of all trials, would we seek the
Lord's face as diligently as we do when problems assail us? I'm afraid if we are to
be completely honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we would not. We
would become accustomed to a carefree life and would go merrily on our way. Trials,
as much as we dislike them are needful in our lives. They drive us to our knees, they
show us our failing, our short-comings...they show us our need of God.
If we name the name of Christ, we have no right to become spiritually defeated because
of His working in our lives. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work
together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to
His purpose." If you truly believe this verse, then you will see tribulations as a path-
way to spiritual blessing.
The Apostle Paul faced many challenges in his earthly ministry. He learned that the
tribulations he faced were to show not only to him but to others observing him, the
grace and strength of his Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:9 & 10 "And He (God) said unto
me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak,
then am I strong." Paul had learned the secret to suffering...it brings blessings. It
brings the strength of God to the forefront. There was never any doubt to anyone that
what the Apostle Paul accomplished in his ministry was only through the sustaining
grace of the Lord upon his life.
This brings me to the second point of the blessing of trials in our lives. It produces a
shining testimony to those around; but only if you are responding to God's will in your
life with grace that only comes from your walk with Him. 2 Corinthians 4:17 "For
our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory:"
How are you faring today with the blessing of trials in your life? If you are viewing
them properly through the Word of God, you are allowing them to work in you, to mold
you into the image of Christ. Trials are like sandpaper, which God uses to rub off the
impurities and useless things in our lives, and to shape us into that vessel that can be
used in His service. 2 Corinthians 4:7 "But we have this treasure (Jesus Christ) in
earthen vessels (our bodies) that the excellency of the power may be of God, and
not of us."
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