Trusting in the Trials — God is Good Even in Hardship
Over the course of a couple years, my husband and I had car troubles back to back. The Lord blessed us incredibly: whenever we had an issue with one car, we would pray and seek His provision, and He would provide—usually very quickly! We have been given a total of three cars from our church family, for free (and a couple cars to borrow in between). I’ll forever be grateful, and I’ll never forget that!
Despite our struggles, the Lord has always provided a way for my family’s needs to be met. As we are currently waiting for the Lord to work in a difficult financial season (knowing we need the money necessary to provide for the two of us, a toddler, and a baby on the way), my husband and I are learning to trust and depend upon God—not just when He gives us what we want or ask for, but even when there seems no end to the struggles we face. We see His sovereignty and providence on display, and we are reminded that this is what He has ordained for our lives right now (Job 23:14). As Job 2:10 says, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?”
It’s not easy, for as humans we are prone to desire immediate relief, but we are learning to be content with what we have and we are growing in our faith. That’s one thing I believe God wants for believers—to prove our faith genuine (1 Peter 1:6-7) as we “consider it all joy” facing trials of many kinds (James 1:2-4)…even if we encounter trial after trial, and we feel others around us are prospering and no one else has to struggle like we do. It’s tempting to give in to that perspective, but we don’t always know what others are going through. Comparison is not what God wants for us, nor should it be our focus. Living for Christ and seeking His righteousness need to be our ultimate objectives (Matthew 6:31-33). The world will see the difference in us when we live our lives for His glory in the midst of hardship and suffering. He remains faithful and true no matter what changes around us (Hebrews 13:8, James 1:17), and we can reflect His faithfulness as we stand firm in the truth and lean upon His strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
God’s ways and thoughts will always be higher than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9). It’s part of what makes Him who He is: the one and only true God (Deuteronomy 6:4, Jeremiah 10:10, John 17:3), Creator and Sustainer of all things (Genesis 1, Matthew 6:25-30, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:17). He sees the big picture even if we can’t see past the present sufferings we must endure…because He knows all and we don’t! And we don’t need an explanation for the trials He allows when we remember He is in control and working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Knowing who He is, we are able to confidently place our trust in Him (Isaiah 26:4), and we can fix our eyes upon what awaits us in heaven—an imperishable inheritance in perfection with Him for all eternity (1 Peter 1:3-4)!