Each of us is confronted with trials daily.  Some greater than others, some even unto the point of despair.  Here recently, I myself, have probably been more stressed out that I have ever been in my life (no exaggeration), and I know some of you are likewise going through difficult times related to work, health issues, a sin struggle, etc.  I’m sure this NEVER happens to any of you, ha ha, but I have found myself asking God, “why?”, a lot.  Often times it is futile to try to understand EXACTLY why things happen, but God has been pressing three truths into me about the “why” of suffering or trials that I wanted to share, and hopefully encourage you all with.

The first reason is we struggle to be able to identify (in a minute way) more with the suffering and trials of Christ.  Our desire is to know Him, and our Christ suffered much.

The second is so that we will be able to comfort others when they encounter similar sufferings and trials, as well as encourage them with the hope we have in Christ in those times.

Lastly, which ultimately is the root of both of the above.  We struggle and go through trials because God loves us.  He loves us enough to push us beyond the fronts we put up to others, to reveal the true condition of our heart / sin, comfort us by pressing us closer to the cross in total dependence upon Jesus day-to-day, and thus strengthen our faith in Him.  There are so many scriptures I want to share here – more than would be helpful right now, so I will just share one.  This is definitely a topic worth covering in more detail at some point.

James 1:2-4 ” ² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Know you’re prayed for, and I’m always available to you all.

Grace and Peace,
Adam