It has been said that every person falls into one of three categories: 1) going through a trial, 2) just about to enter a trial, or 3) just finished a trial. The good news is that, if you’re a Christian, God is with you. And He’s promised to help you through each trial.
Read on to learn 4 truths to encourage you during trials.
1. God won’t forsake you.
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:20
If you have believed on Jesus as your Saviour, He has promised to be with you always. And God keeps His promises. Because He is with you always, you can know that He will take care of you.
Perhaps God feels far away right now. If so, have you allowed sin to get in the way of your relationship with God? Is there anything you need to confess and ask His forgiveness for? Don’t miss out on God’s comfort and strength because of sin. Return to Him!
2. It’s okay to express your feelings.
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”
Psalm 62:8
You might think that spiritually mature Christians don’t cry. But, the truth is that everyone cries sometimes. And it’s not wrong to express your feelings to God. He understands what you’re going through. When Jesus lived on earth, He experienced sorrow, humiliation, loss, pain, and every human emotion.
As an honest person, you should pour out your heart to God. But then, ask Him to help you obey Him…no matter how you feel.
Feelings should not be our guide. At the local church’s prison ministry, God’s Word should always be our guide.
3. Suffering doesn’t mean God is against you.
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”
Philippians 3:10
When Jesus died on the cross, the unbelieving Jews took it as proof that God was against Jesus. They mocked Him and spit on Him. However, they did not know that Jesus was fulfilling God’s perfect plan.
In the blueprint of your life, God will build in some suffering. It’s for your own good…so you can grow spiritually and know Him better.
Even if the suffering is a consequence of your sin, know that God still loves you. He’s waiting with open arms for you to return to Him. Run to Him in humble repentance! He will restore you to fellowship and help you get back on track.
4. God can show His strength through your weakness.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
One of the most beautiful aspects of a suffering Christian is God’s grace poured out on them. When they are exhausted, He gives them strength. When they are sick, He can (and often does!) heal them. When they can’t go on, He takes over.
In your own trials, seek God for His strength. Realize that having God work in your life is a huge privilege…one that many people completely miss out on. And thank God for His unfailing strength!
What about you?
Are you going through a trial right now? If not, what has God taught you through trials in the past? Let us know in the comments! And join us at the local church’s prison ministry to learn more.
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Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
