Facing Trials and Adversities

All the servants of God have had trials and adversities come upon them in different ways throughout their lives. God uses the circumstances of our lives to test our faith and love for Him. Our trials may not be as dramatic as those that came upon Joseph when he was sold into Egypt, or David as he was pursued by Saul, or Daniel who was cast to the lions, or his three friends who were cast into the fiery furnace, but all the servants of God will have trials of different kinds. Do we confidently believe that God is always watching over us to help us, or will we forsake God when we feel under stress and take some easy option? Paul who suffered much persecution as he went forth preaching the Gospel, spoke to the believers “exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation [Greek thlipsis - pressure, trouble, affliction] enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22).

Our faith may be put to the test by personal problems that seem to overwhelm us, or serious illness that debilitates us, or perhaps members of our family have problems that weigh heavily upon us. Trials may come at work because of our faith or at home from those who do not believe as we do. It may be we are isolated from other believers and feel dreadfully alone in the world. There are many ways in which our faith and love of God is seriously tested. However, in every situation, we must always remember that God Himself knows our problems and will hear our prayers as we struggle to cope and to act in a Christ-like way.

Trials are an opportunity to demonstrate our faith in God. James wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations [or trials]; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4). Peter saw the trial of faith as the purifying of gold and showed that our characters are being refined by what we endure: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Here are some encouraging quotations that can help whenever we feel burdened or troubled:

• “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12–13). Peter wrote these words because the disciples were suffering extreme persecution and even death from the pagan Roman rulers, because of their belief in Jesus Christ. He adds, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (v16).

• “Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5–6). What a consolation it is to know that God will never leave us, no matter what the trial, while we trust in Him.

Comfort and Hope in Suffering

There are times when we may feel unable to cope with what we have to bear, but we have this assurance from Paul: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Here are some words from the Psalms that may help at such times.

• “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust” (Psalm 56:3–4).

• “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).

• “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:1–2).

• “The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee” (Psalm 9:9–10).

These psalms are prayers showing us how the faithful in past times turned to God as they faced sometimes overwhelming problems. When we are suffering trials we need to constantly take our cares to God in prayer. We must follow Peter’s advice, when he said, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Whatever we suffer for our faith, whether persecution or distress or loneliness or trouble of any kind, we soon find that others have suffered too. We can learn to understand their needs and find that we are able to off er them help and encouragement too. In one of the parables Jesus gave he showed that those who were rewarded with a place in the Kingdom were those who visited and cared for their brethren who were suffering: “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:37–40).

As all disciples suffer hardship or difficulties of one kind or another, let us be strengthened by the words of Paul: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”, knowing “that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”, for there is nothing that “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:18,28,38–39). We have the assurance that if we remain faithful, then God will be with us and never forsake us, no matter what difficulties may arise.

Adapted from “The Exploring the Bible Course” by David Evans