See the Benefit of Your Trials!

My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word. Psalm 119:28

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Just as the disciples we have all been jolted and jerked by life. We have danced with sorrow and are familiar with grief and loss. If you are reading this and have not experienced sorrow, prepare, for you will know sorrow as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow. Earth’s journey is peppered with sorrow and with it are eternal benefits.

God’s purpose is to conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus. God had one Son, without sin, but not without sorrow. AS

Sorrow’s benefits, though unbearably painful, are rich in results. We are driven to Christ and become living proof God is faithful and good. We find we do not have to face life on our own, but Jesus walks with us and lovingly carries us when we cannot take another step. Sorrow also reveals the truth of who we are inside; the bad and the good.  

We find out quickly if we are living by feelings or walking by faith. In our weakness fear snakes in, as it did for the disciples, robbing us of hope and truth. We are left with a choice to believe His word or our feelings. He offers us strength in Christ; strength we didn’t previously need. It is the life shattering trials that keep us from mistakenly thinking we are in control. Oh that we would surrender, trusting He is near, for we are more sensitive during a trial. Praise Him, for He is using this trial to prepare you for whatever is ahead!! God’s Word lives and speaks to us as never before, strengthening our faith while truth is gained. I encourage you to run to the Psalms for consolation. God’s word protects and instructs us. Trials and suffering expose pride and sin, especially the sin of ‘unbelief’ and He gently waits to lead us to repentance. How gracious that our Savior hears the cry of our soul… ‘Help, LORD!’

As for God His way is perfect. The word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (not easy) Psalm 18:30-32

If God is trusting you with a great trial of sorrow, remember it comes wrapped in His loving kindness. God is no man’s debtor and you will benefit from this trial. Choose faith. Choose to trust Him before the sorrow ends or makes sense to you. Put no time restraints on God, for He makes no mistakes: ‘as for God, His ways are perfect’. I have heard said, ‘God never uses anyone to a large degree, until after He’s been hurt deeply.’ Determine to endure, to finish well. With God ‘all’ things are possible as you surrender and choose by faith, to receive everything as from His hand. (no second causes)  It is then we prove He is faithful beyond imagining and in His abundant His grace, you will not just endure, but you will endure with joy! The best is yet to come!

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow… James 1:2-4

Endurance is the result of determination, discipline, and the willingness to suffer in order to achieve results. CS

“We cannot do good to others save at a cost to ourselves, and our afflictions are the price we pay for our ability to sympathize. He who would be helper must first be a sufferer.” JHT

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

Father, You have much to teach me through my trials. Make my heart soft to Your touch as You create the likeness of Your only Son, Jesus in me. Let me be quick to seek shelter under Your wings while the storm blows and buffets me relentlessly. I want to surrender and trust You, and rest in You. I long to know resurrection power and I can only experience that where I count myself crucified with Christ. I want to be living proof of your love and faithfulness. I pray this for my sisters and brothers that Your glory may be the hunger of our hearts. I pray in Jesus Name my Risen Savior,

‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes’ Revelation 7:17,

much love,  az