What have you been told about the significance of trials in a Christian’s life? Here are a few things I’ve heard over the years:
- God does not want bad things to happen to us, but He allows them for His purposes.
- Trials either draw us closer to God or push us further away from God—and it’s our decision which one it will be.
- In our time of trial—if we so choose—we will become more intimate in our relationship with God than during the “good” times.
When I focus on the last statement, it reminds me of an insight that changed my perception of trials. I’d hear mature Christians talking about how trials bring us closer to God. And, in a sense, that’s true. But I had a relatively negative view of trials—in my subconscious, this is how my self-talk went: “The only way I’m going to grow closer to God is through trials. So, He brings trials into my life so I will grow closer to, and lean on, Him. Trials are basically a necessary ‘evil’ to deepen my relationship with God.”
God gave me a new perception of trials recently. The real miracle of trials is not just that it deepens a Christian’s faith in God, but that everyone goes through them—Christians and non-Christians alike. God’s promise is He’ll be there for His children when they go through trials; that is why we grow closer to God through trials—He is there with us! God is not some tyrant who’s thinking of the worst possible circumstances that will eventually bring us closer to Him. That’s not His character; but for a long time, that’s how my subconscious viewed trials—a “means” in and of itself. But the reality is, everyone experiences trials—the only reason some people grow closer to God during trials is because they let God become their Counselor, Comforter, Peace … essentially, their ALL. Trials don’t necessarily equal profound spiritual growth; but they often result in growth because people realize that going through trials without God is too much to manage on their own.
Therefore be patient…until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. James 5:7
Authored by Caris Abril