Consider it a good thing, a joyful thing, when trials come crashing into your life. What!? How can good come from the loss of a job? Or the loss of health? Or the loss of freedom? Trials such as these test our faith, and somehow that is why we can rejoice. For you can know that the One who tests your faith is good and has wise purposes in your trials. They have a goal in mind: the endurance and progress of your faith.
A faith that is not tested or refined will be left immature and weak. But our Heavenly Father tests us to grow and strengthen our faith, and to teach us to trust Him more. He does not put us through trials in order to harm or destroy us, but rather He is like a skilled surgeon who must inflict pain for a time to bring about strength and life.
Your trials are not random or meaningless, there is a purpose in all of them. Trust that the Great Physician is at work, though you don't see the full picture of what He's doing yet. Expect your faith to be tested. Don't be surprised when the heat gets turned up so hot in your life that you are tempted to despair and wonder whether God has abandoned you! Knowing that God is at work for your good in such times is a great resource of joy.
Remember what God's highest aim for your life is as a follower of Jesus: that you would become like Christ. "For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his son." (Romans 8:29 NASB). If becoming more like Jesus is the goal of your life, and trials and hardships are the way to best achieve that goal, then we can truly and sincerely embrace our trials with joy. For it is far better to lose comfort and security in this life in order to gain spiritual maturity and greater intimacy with the Messiah.
Is your faith being tested today? Are you struggling to receive these trials with joy? Look to Jesus believer. He is the author and perfecter of your faith. He graciously gives every good thing you need to endure and grow. You can trust Him.
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