FACING TRIALS

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” - James 1:2-4 ^(NIV)

     Did you know that the trials you go through are pre-ordained and orchestrated by God? Now to be fair, there are some trials that we bring on ourselves as a direct consequence of our actions and while God may not have orchestrated that, He will allow it as a means to an end. You’ve perhaps heard the phrase “everything happens for a reason”. Let’s face it, everything in existence falls under His control. So all the things that happen to you on any given day are no surprise to the Lord. He knows your every thought, your desires, your deepest most intimate secrets and he knows what you need.

     We have many lessons to learn from with each trial and it is incumbent upon us to ask the Lord what he’d like us to learn each time. Whining and complaining provides no positive results. God knows what he’s doing and will lead you to where you can be the best ‘you’ you can be if you let him. I’ve been known to pray: ‘Lord, I am trusting you to see me through this. Teach me what you want me to know.’ 
     So when you face a trial, strap yourself to the mast of the master’s ship and ride it out. He will provide for and sustain you and if you are attentive to His voice, will teach you marvelous things that you would never have known if you had stayed on dry land. Don’t be afraid of your trials, embrace them as learning tools and you will come out of it better than when you first started. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller