Trials Develop Character and Will Not Lead to Disappointment
Anyone with breath in their lungs knows that life can be hard. For some it may be harder than others, and for many, there are seasons of very difficult times that never seem to end. I feel like my life is the latter. I feel like my life has been one long season of trial after trial after trial. I have even found myself crying out to God: “Why me, Lord”?? Then, I will see some horrific news story and realize, it CAN be worse and it IS for some. So, now, I always remember, yes, I am going through a trial, but it CAN be worse.
If we focus on the good; while not always easy, and in many cases easier said than done, it really does make the trial more palatable.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. – Romans 5:3-5
Amazing. Our God is AMAZING. Even trials are of use to Him as an aid in the development of our character!
It reminds me of the movie, Dances With Wolves. I remember when there was a field filled with dead carcasses of buffalo with only their skins missing. It was looked upon as sad. And it was. You see, the Indians appreciated the entire animal and would not let one part go to waste.
Well, it is the same with our Father in Heaven. He will use anything and everything to help us to become all that He created us to be—including trials!
While rejoicing in trials may seem like insanity, it is for our benefit that we are going through the trial. If we (and I am preaching to myself here too), would just choose to see that God has a plan, and His plan is better than ours, we may actually see the joy on the journey. Yes, things may will get hard. Yes, we may have to endure great sorrows and loss. Yes, we may not get what we think we deserve.
But…
As we endure and seek our King and find hope in Him; we will develop our character, become all that He designed us to be, and none of it will lead to disappointment.
…And this hope will not lead to disappointment.
WOW. That little tidbit is powerful. In the end, after all the dust settles…
…And this hope will not lead to disappointment.
I love my King!
And He loves me!
And…
He loves YOU!
So, rise up, run the race with endurance, put your heart and mind on the end of the race; remember that you are loved by the Creator of the Universe, and He has a GOOD plan for you!
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. – Jeremiah 29:11
Lord, thank You for trails. Thank You for never letting anything — good or bad, go to waste in my life. Help me to run this race with endurance and to see the positive in all things. Help me to see that my final outcome is filled with hope and will not disappoint. Help me to shine brightly for You in this dark world. I love You, Lord. I want to make it to the end of my days and hear, “Well done, faithful servant.” That is my heart’s desire. Help me to find joy in all circumstances and to never forget the price that was paid so that I can walk in victory. In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
Dig Deeper:
Look up and study the following passages.
- James 1:2-4
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- Philippians 2:12-16
- 1 Peter 4:12-13
- Job (I encourage you to read the entire book of Job. He faced more trials than most of us ever will, and yet continued to endure and trust His King!)
Memorize: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. – Romans 5:3-5
Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved