why trials?
It all begins with an idea.
Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we go through tough times? Why does a good God allow suffering?
I’ve asked myself these questions at various stages in my life. Maybe you have too. For me it was during times of deployment to Southeast Asia. It was when the cherished wife of my best friend was kidnapped and murdered while he was deployed. It was when my infant daughter died. It was during the 23 year long battle with PTSD brought on by my time in the Vietnam theatre. The death of my father…a divorce, the ensuing financial struggles and single parenthood…and more. Difficult periods…hard times.
Difficult times are not unique to me…or you. There is no living adult in the world today who hasn’t faced trials and difficulty. We know this to be true.
Why? Why does a loving God allow this to happen?
In James 1:2-4, it says, “to consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of various 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.”
What you and I desperately need is this testing… that produces the perseverance… that allows us to endure the trial…to become mature and complete for God’s use and purpose. These trials are not random. They have specific purpose to grow our spiritual maturity.
I would suggest to you that these trials also equip believers for deeper ministry. An ability to minister and bring comfort to those going through trials very similar to those we endured.
How? Thirty years after my infant daughter died, God used that trial to give me the words to minister to a young pastor suffering through the accidental death of his toddler son. God used that common experience to bring solace to a grieving father and gave me insight on how hardships in my life can better equip me for His purpose.
How? Twenty years after the end of my 23-year struggle with PSTD, God used that trial to give me the words to minister to a young man suffering through the PTSD brought on by his combat experience in Afghanistan. God used our common experiences…separated by some 40 years to bring solace…and a better knowledge of God to a young veteran. God gave me continued insight on how He can use my struggles to further His purpose.
How? Some forty years after my struggles with single-parenthood, overwhelming financial difficulty…the working three jobs to keep a roof over our head and food on the table, God used that trial to equip me for the ministry my wife and I share today. The helping others facing food and shelter insecurities…helping those facing the end-of-life…bringing hope to those homebound or living alone. God is giving us insight and increased opportunity to let others see they have value and worth in God’s eyes and ours. He uses us to share His provision, His plan for salvation and the path to reconciliation with Him.
God grows our perseverance. He shapes our hearts and grows our character so we may better withstand our own trials and better comfort those around us in the trials they face. Through our suffering, He grows our hope…our hope in Jesus Christ as Savior. Through my trials He grows my faith.
He does precisely the same for you. To God the glory!
