Devotionals

Trust in the Midst of Trials

by Cheryl Weber
01/25/20
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Christians in western nations often have different experiences with and expectations from our relationship with God than Christians in nations such as Nigeria, India, Iran, or North Korea. In those places, persecution and martyrdom are common.  In America, due to our wealth and general freedom, we often mistakenly believe that if we live godly lives and because God is good, loving, and all-powerful, he owes us protection from injustice, adversity, and heartache. The Bible does say that God provides, heals, and protects. But it also promises suffering. 

None of us like pain. Even Jesus asked the Father to be spared the cross. But he knew the joy of what his suffering would accomplish and he went through with it. No one endured more than Jesus nor will they ever. He was even abandoned for a brief time by the Father because he bore the sins of the world. But he trusted God through it all.  

God wants us to trust him too, not just when things are going well but in the midst of trials. In Isaiah 43:2, God tells His people Israel, “When you go through deep waters,  I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (NLT) It is when not if you will go through hard times. And be assured, our Lord suffers with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is always good, always just, always loving and will use our tribulations for his ultimate purposes, for our best, and for his glory.

PRAYER: Lord God, thank you that you will always be with me through my difficulties and pain, offering me comfort, strength, and guidance and that you will bring good from them in the end. AMEN