Giving thanks for the Trials!!!

We have all been through trials.  We have had difficult days and plenty of things that we just don't want to go through(an illness, relationship issues, family issues, work issues and on and on).  What does God do through  those issues and what does He want us to do as well go through them?  Let's find out!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Wait a minute!  So God wants us to thank Him no matter what is going on?  Yes, He does.  In many situations He wants to know will we do what He wants and with what attitude?  

Colossians 3:17

New International Version (NIV)

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

So whatever we do we need to be giving thanks!  Not just when that job promotion comes, or when that healing happens in your body, but IN ALL THINGS!

2 Thessalonians 1:4

New International Version (NIV)

4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.

It's during these trials that God works in us!  Through these tough times God is growing us in our faith and teaching or perseverance!  Just because you became a believer in Jesus Christ and accepted His forgiveness doesn't many that everyday will be puppies and rainbows.  He expects us to grow!

 1 Peter 1:7
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Romans 5:3
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;

In this battle we are proving our faith and bringing glory and honor to God.  We must persevere!  You may think it's crazy but we should be praising God we are going through this!  It is refining us and bringing glory to Him!

Proverbs 17:3
New International Version (©2011)
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

God needs to know He can count on you to live for Him not just on those easy carefree days but also when a relationship is broken, we a doctor gives you the report it's cancer, when the car is broken or a job ends and you don't know how you are going to make it.  He's there!  He's providing!  He's healing!  You are not alone!

1 Corinthians 6:19
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

 Hebrews 13:5
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"

Trust God and thank Him for the situations He has put you in!  He is right there dwelling in you and He will never leave or forsake you!  God knows what He is doing, so trust Him and thank Him!  God is in control!

So each day as we get up let us not complain about or situations, trials, and pain but thank Him that we have another day to grow closer to Him and be more like Him.  Let us trust Him that no matter what He is doing what is best for us and bringing glory to Him.

Spiritual Growth

Unfortunately in life to go through growth we must first go through some difficulty.  If we never go through any difficulty or quit whenever things get tough we remain the same.  This is the same in our faith in God.

If we go through trials but we first run to the internet, a self help book which is not what the Bible is, or friends and family who are not in the faith we are heading the wrong direction!

It is through these trials that our roots grow deep in God.  The Bible says that God tries the heart in Proverbs 17:3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart.  He wants to know what you will do when the tough times come.  Can He trust you?  Will you fall away?  Philippians 4:5-7 Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We are to glory in our trials (Romans 5:3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  In these we develop the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23

New International Version (NIV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

God wants to use you but are you willing to go through the process He has for you to get there?