TRUST WHEN TRIALS TEST FAITH

Trust, When Trials Test Our Faith

 The storms of life are inevitable and often rage wildly around us.  Job, a man renowned throughout the land (Job 1:1), experienced devastation beyond compare.  His possessions vanished, his children perished, and his body was plagued by sore boils and disease. Yet, even amidst this unimaginable suffering and confusion, Job declared, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15). Even though he thought God had done all of this his unwavering faith, and absolute trust in the face of such adversity, is the cornerstone of a life pleasing to God.

 The scriptures are replete with examples of God's people enduring hardship.  Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37:28). Then he was falsely accused, and he found himself imprisoned.  Yet, God used his suffering to elevate him to a position of power, ultimately saving his family from famine (Genesis 41:39-45).  The story of Joseph serves as a powerful testament that even in the darkest valleys, God's hand guides and ultimately provides for those who trust in Him.

 David was the little shepherd boy who became King and faced countless adversaries.  He not only killed a lion and a bear, but he also fled from Saul's relentless pursuit (1 Samuel 18:11). He, too, like Joseph, endured betrayal and hardship, but remained steadfast in his trust in the Lord.  Psalm 23, perhaps the most well-known of the psalms attributed to David and it beautifully illustrates his trust: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters" (Psalm 23:1-2).  Here, David finds solace and security in God’s unwavering provision even during times of personal turmoil.

 But trust in God isn't a passive resignation of suffering.  No, no, it is an active faith! It is a constant reliance on God's power and promises.  It means acknowledging God’s sovereignty, embracing His will, and clinging to His Truth even when we  cannot understand the circumstances.  Isaiah 41:10 reminds us:  "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

 The promise, given to those facing tribulation, isn’t merely words that offer comfort; it’s a decree from the Almighty God of Heaven.  God's plan, though often impossible to understand in the midst of suffering, ultimately unfolds for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).  This does not diminish the pain, but it does help us to understand that there is perhaps a divine purpose at work.

 Our faith is tested in the fires of adversity.  It is refined and strengthened through trials, proving its authenticity.  Like gold purified in the furnace, our trust in God emerges stronger, more refined, and more deeply rooted.  When the storms rage, when darkness descends, remember the promises in God's Word and hold fast to the truth that “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Let your heart find peace in His love, knowing that even in our deepest trials, His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

  ~Casey Clement

 >PS. Take time to pray to God, thanking Him for His presence in your life during one specific moment each day.