Overcoming Trials

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Today people are depressed and discouraged because they only focus on their present circumstances. They’re constantly dwelling on their problems, what they don’t have, and what’s wrong with them. They don’t realize it, but they’re allowing the enemy to steal their hope. This negative frame of mind is what keeps people from moving forward in life.

In the chapter of James, we understand that when we face trials, we must regard it as complete joy.  A trial is "a test of faith, patience by suffering or temptation.".

We need to learn to persevere when times are tough. To persevere is a part of a test; that we must go through to demonstrate that our faith is genuine. Persecutions are nothing but trials of faith. God tested Abraham, when He called him to sacrifice his son; He thereby tried his faith, love, and obedience. So by afflictions, God tries the graces of his people; not that he might know them, for He is not ignorant of them, but that they might be made manifest to others.

Jesus endured the most difficult trial anyone has ever undergone by watching and praying. Before Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover, before He was arrested and crucified, He warned His disciples many times they would face a severe trial. But even on the night Jesus was betrayed, the disciples slept as Jesus prayed fervently.

When Jesus prayed, God’s will for Him was confirmed, and He received strength to do God’s will. But the disciples did not watch and pray; they did not seek strength from God. As a result, when the trials came, they reacted out of their human capacity. In order to overcome trials in our lives we need to 'Watch' and 'Pray'. 'Watching' means we always listen to the Holy Spirit so that we don’t react to situations according to our human capacity. 'Praying' means we ask God for strength to overcome trials. Jesus prayed to the Father for strength, and Luke’s chapter says an angel came and strengthened Him.

In our daily lives, there will be trials. Successfully overcoming these trials strengthens our faith and increases our capacity to understand God. Don't resent trials (troubles) when they come. Pray for God’s wisdom and He will guard and guide you. He will give you patience and keep you strong in times of trial.

Patience too needs to be perfected. With Patience, one would be able to endure all trials till the end.

When faced with a trial, we must not pray that the affliction be lifted, but rather that the will of God, be served. As God knows the best for us. We must pray that the Holy Spirit, Guide us through wisdom, to make the right choices with our lives.  A heart that seeks God, will grow wise with the passing time. Every trial, makes the bond between God amd man grow even more stronger. And with time, the person will rise above every trial, to a whole new level of understanding.

Worldly wealth is corruptible. God’s grace keeps the person humble, and the trials teach the person to seek his or her happiness from God and not from the materialistic comforts from the world. God’s love teaches us to be joyful under troubles. 

If you are going through a difficult time today, if you lost your job or a loved one, whatever you are facing, remember, you are never lost to Him. God always has a purpose for you. He´ll take what the enemy meant for evil, and He’ll turn it around for your good. Keep believing and keep hoping because He´s ready to reveal those hidden treasures on the inside of you!

REMEMBER: The Almighty God loves you with all His heart. You mean the world to Him. You are always on His mind.