Facing Trials – by Susan Ferguson
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)
Christians are not exempt from life’s troubles. The Bible tells us we will have trials. The good news is that we have Jesus, who sustains us during times of adversity.
Trials serve a higher purpose. God uses them to develop our faith and bring us to a deeper dependency on Christ. The problems we want removed from our lives are often the tools God uses to develop our character. Every problem we face is an opportunity for growth in Christ.
How we respond to adversity can affect the outcome. We can either draw closer to God or become discouraged and fall away. Let us follow the example of Job, who kept his faith after losing his children, his wealth, and his health. Stricken by grief, the righteous Job cursed the day he was born. (Job 3:1) Despite his pain, he was determined to hold on to his faith. (Job 13:15)
Isn’t it during times of trouble that we recognize our need for Jesus? Isn’t it when we run out of options that we depend on Christ alone? Through trials, we can come to know God on a deeper level. We serve a faithful God. We can count on His grace and unlimited strength to help us during difficult times.
Today’s freelance writer is a bookkeeper by day and a writer by night. She lives with her husband in Madison, MS, USA. Contact
