This morning I was thinking of all those going through terrible storms… grieving the loss of a loved one, facing giants of rejection, feeling the sting of loneliness, looking into an unknown future, crying for a prodigal, or struggling with brokenness. And then I thought of YOU. I cannot imagine the trial you are going through… how hot the fire is, how deep the waters are, how strong the wind is. I know because I’m facing my own trial right now. In fact, you and I are in good company because every person is battling something.
With that said, let’s talk about trials for a minute. According to James, trials are good for us. James writes in James 1:2-3: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind 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, why are trials good for us? Because trials put our faith to the test AND trials allows our endurance a chance to grow. Now, does that mean that we always endure under trials? NO! But endurance is something the Lord looks for and something that’s very good for us. Endurance is something we should strive for.
Endurance or perseverance in trials DOESN’T mean that I don’t grieve, or hurt, or struggle, or question. It means that I trust instead of worry. It means that I believe rather than doubt. It means that I draw closer to God rather than run away from Him. It means that I look to Him for my needs instead of people or other things. Endurance means that I cling to His Word – His promises, that I seek Him more, that I rely on His goodness and faithfulness, and that I keep coming no matter how hard it is.
I’m thinking that in the midst of our trials or not-so-good circumstances, we need to pray for perseverance, asking God to use these things for His glory and for our good. Of course, this is a weighty subject and we haven’t even scratched the surface, but let’s look at two specific rewards that come from our perseverance.
First, our endurance brings us to a place of abundance! Our key verse speaks of this. “We went through the fire and flood, but you brought us to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:12). What does this mean? It’s not talking about material things or prosperity in this world. This abundance means that through my perseverance in trials, I know God more, my faith is stronger, my confidence is greater, and my heart is much more connected to God than it used to be. It means that I trust Him more, I’m clinging to His promises more, and that the fullness He provides is just oozing out of me. I can’t think of anything better than that, can you?
Second, our endurance has eternal benefits! Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:7: “So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” I’m thinking that our endurance in trials will be brought up in heaven. Imagine that! On a certain day, we will receive great rewards for the way we endured in hardships rather than throwing in the towel.
Let this encourage you today. Let’s seek to endure rather than give up.