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The Purpose of Trials

I was recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. Everyday, I have to poke my finger and check the blood sugar levels. From where my levels were, things have definitely improved. But still, the process to get the diet, exercise and medication balance figured out to maintain healthy sugar levels is frustrating and at times confusing. On top of that, the daily “poking of the finger” gets a little irritating and there are mornings I wish it would end…

Sometimes life’s difficulties seems to go on and on and on. You think you are doing okay and your body is getting over an illness when “Pow,” you end up on your back. It seems like for many of us, there are times when life seems to be a constant challenge. When should we expect life to get easier? When we graduate or maybe when we marry or when we retire?

When you read Genesis, you find many of the OT saints going through similar dilemmas. In chapters 21-24, we find a story that seems to nullify God’s great promise that in Abraham all the families of the earth would be blessed.

God tells Abraham to take his son, Isaac into the land of Moriah and kill him. He is to offer him as a sacrifice upon one of the mountains. Verse 1 tells us this command came to him “after these things.” After what things? After all the hardships and difficulties Abraham already had already gone through.

I think we have a false understanding of God’s use of trials in our lives. The fact is, all the tests and trials we have endured will not prevent other tests from coming our way. But these things aren’t in our lives to destroy us nor wreck our faith. On the contrary, if you and I respond as Abraham did, in obedience and faith, these tough battles and trials can be the crowning moments of our lives.

We used to own a Ford Aerostar van. It was a square tin can on wheels. There were times when I used to drive that thing on open highways and when we encountered crosswinds it was very difficult to stay on the road!

I’ve noticed thought that in windy weather, birds don’t experience the same difficulty as I did in my van. I have noticed how they fly in the wind with their wings spread majestically, and without barely moving a feather, they get to their destination without any stress! Those same winds that I would struggle and fight with would carry that bird higher and higher. It made me think…

You see, for Christians, tough times are supposed to do that. They are meant to bring us higher and higher, closer to the Lord.

There are a lot of things each of us have and are experiencing that are tough and challenging? It might be issues within the family? It might be a difficult financial situation or poor health? It might be challenges at work? When Abraham faced his toughest test, he looked to the Lord. By God’s grace and strength, you and I can do that, too.

Ultimately, the things we face in life do have a purpose. God has determined that we should become conformed to the image of His Son. And like a sculpture or a beautiful piece of pottery, we need a little chipping away and moulding to make that a reality. May the Lord bless you and give you the grace to face the trials with grace and allow the Lord to work in each of our lives.

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