Why Does God Allow Trials? Part II
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11: 28.
Talking this morning with a friend whose husband has health problems, she admitted that, like her mother before her, she doesn’t want to think about possibly losing him. Or how he would manage if she went first. So, she has avoided the necessary conversations.
What about you?
As the one handling the family finances, she acknowledged the need to get their will finalized and leave written instructions for her husband if she should pass first.
It doesn’t matter if you or your spouse handles the family finances, or if you are single, being prepared for a life-changing event is being Biblically wise.
Why am I sharing this possible scenario? Because it is one of the hardest trials we face! And, not to think about this, and not to prepare for its possibility, is to court greater pain and stress than thinking about it while life is somewhat normal.
Proverbs 18:15 affirms:
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge;
the ears of the wise seek it out.”
So why do Trials come? Here are three brief answers (for a fuller explanation, read: “I’m too Human to be Like Jesus: How do I Stay Standing in Life’s Storms?”)
1. Referring to the Bible, John Stott states, “Although there are references to sin and suffering on virtually every page, its concern is not to explain their origin but to help us overcome them.”
Suffering was not in God’s original plan. Everything God made He declared as good. Pain and brokenness were never His plan. Suffering is linked to Satan’s activity in this world—a world God created for our enjoyment.
2. Suffering often comes through people’s choices—our own and others. A drunk driver. An abusive husband. An angry mother. Wars, killings, anguish and pain fueled by human greed and power. And, ironically, God is blamed for what we human beings choose to do with our God-given freedom.
3. Suffering comes from sensitivity to pain. Our bodies are designed with pain receptors to keep us from damaging them. They are our physical alarm system which people afflicted with the age-old disease of leprosy (now called Hanson’s disease) long to have because they cannot feel pain destroying parts of their body.
What is God’s purpose? Here are two of four questions to ask in trials. (I’ll share more next time.)
1. What does God want to do in this? Your faith is a living part of you—not something that remains static. When you face various circumstances and affirm your faith in God, your trust becomes more deeply rooted in Him. God’s loving purpose in all kinds of trials is never to harm you, but is always intended for good. (See Joseph’s understanding: Genesis 50:20)
2. What does God want to produce in me through this? Could it be yielding your will instead of resisting His path for you? A deeper faith? Trust? Obedience? Courage? Greater closeness to Him?
Sadly, trials are part of life. So is fear of the unknown—but we don’t have to be victims of fear. You and I can think ahead and seek discernment about possible future situations.
Ask yourself, and discuss with those close to you, the “What if? questions. Then continue seeking discernment by asking, “What then? What are my options?”
By being discerning and wise, NOW, you can have a degree of peace for those unknown future scenarios. Then go on with your life! That’s what I’m planning to do myself this weekend.
Blessings,
Poppy
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