Another Reason to Rejoice

As humans, our natural response to problems is “to flee”. When faced with difficult or trying times, we strongly desire that it should end quickly. We pray. We trust. We expect some deliverance. But sometimes, it doesn’t come as quickly as we want it or it doesn’t come at all. It becomes even more disappointing when we find out that God’s will in some particular situations is for us to go through such a trial.

Like God, “Are you serious right now? Can’t you see this is too hard, too painful to bear? Why don’t you do something?”

But all you get is silence or “Wait.”

In fact, the way God asks us in the Bible to react in these times makes no sense to the ordinary mind:

• Matthew 5:11-12 - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you… Rejoice…

• James 1:2 – Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

• 1 Peter 4:12-13 - … rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings…

• Romans 5:3 - … glory in tribulations…

• James 1:12 - …endure temptations…

• Romans 12:12 - …be patient in tribulation…
  

But these instructions are for a reason. We see from the Bible that trials are not meant to break us. They are meant to build us, mature us, and make us better reflections of who God is. The verses above tell us that when we endure trials and temptations, rewards await us in heaven (Matthew 5:12; James 1:12), we are perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:4; Romans 5:4), and God’s glory is revealed to the world around us (1 Peter 4:13).

So, it may not be exciting. I know. And God knows. But in our times of trials, let us take comfort in knowing that God is working in and through us for a greater purpose.

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