But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings….
–1 Peter 4:13
When trials come your way, they aren’t coming to taunt or to punish you. They are coming to prepare your soul for eternity!
You see, when we walk with God, trials test our faith in positive ways. They show us how we have grown in the Lord. And conversely, they can reveal where you and I may need to grow closer to God.
Nothing in this world can draw you closer to God than trials and suffering. But if you don’t view trials from God’s perspective, you’re going to miss out on some of the most extraordinary experiences you can have as a Christ-follower.
David’s well-known Psalm 23 painted a picture for us of how to endure suffering. He wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil….”
And then his very next words were, “You are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me…. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” David’s testimony rejoices at having felt the very real and satisfying presence of God.
So let me ask you today, is this how you endure your shadowy trials? It can be.
Whatever trial you face, trust God to protect and guide you, and you will feel his presence in a way you never dreamed possible.
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD CAN DRAW YOU CLOSER TO GOD THAN TRIALS AND SUFFERING.
