What’s your favorite movie?
Do you notice how the best plot lines always have a character that overcomes some kind of trial or challenge? In action movies, it takes quite a bit of endurance to get through some of those trials! In dramas, the challenges are emotional and deep. I particularly dislike the movies where the hurdles just keep happening!
Now think about Jesus as the Hero in the Bible. The challenges to following Jesus just keep coming!
According to the introduction to the Gospel of John in our Immerse Bibles:
“The Jewish leaders… announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue.
A generation after Jesus lived on earth, His followers continued to face threats like this one recorded in the Gospel of John” (p. 397).
I couldn’t help but stop and think about all of the suffering God’s people have gone through—from oppression in Egypt to the forty years of journeying and waiting to the wars to the Roman conquests… on and on and on.
Why did He allow that? Why would God do that to His people?
Consider the trials in your life. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself why God is allowing things to happen in your life?
Reading a little bit further in John, we find an answer when John the Baptist says:
“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30 NLT).
It’s all to glorify God! That may seem a bit selfish and cruel—that God wants all the glory, especially that which comes from suffering. And some of our trials last a long time—months, years, a lifetime!
Take a look at one of my favorite verses that I learned during one of the greatest trials in my life:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:2-5).
Did you see that, friend? In fact, it’s about you! God loves you so much that He knows you’re capable of growing through trials. And He’s not going to leave you hanging if you don’t want to—just ask Him for what you need and believe that He will deliver.
It can be difficult to accept when you’re in the midst of a big challenge, one that may feel hopeless. But rest in God’s Word and His promises to you.
How have you seen God deliver for you during a trial? Share in the comments below. Still in the midst of a trial? Lament your feelings to the God who provides.
Need more support? Check out Oakwood’s Mental Health Ministry.
Need prayer? Share your requests with us and we’ll be praying for you!
