When Trials Come

Do problems surprise you? Do they suck the life out of you? Do disruptions derail and discourage you? I am asking these questions because I need to know that I am not alone. Instead of seeing problems as opportunities, I would often stumble.

Disheartened, provoked, disappointed, annoyed. Why is my attitude this way? Aside from selfishness, I have discovered that my aversion for trials is also due to inexperience. I grew up sheltered, living a comfortable and predictable life with loads of encouragement and family affirmation and with as little inconvenience as possible. I enjoyed fairy tales and trusted the erroneous promise of “happily ever after” on earth. That kind of life does not provide sufficient preparation to face frequent visits from obstacles and difficulties! 

What a blessing that our Maker is committed to completing His work in our lives and by His grace, He is training me to take hold of His liberating perspective on trials and inspiring me as a parent to train our children as well, that they may be equipped to hurdle tough situations and hard times.

Jesus’ words in John 16:33 carry instructions, once applied, empower us to rise above difficulties and limitations. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

As I mulled over His words, I was struck by three things that Jesus reveals:  the reality, the response and the reward.

The Reality. The Seat of Wisdom and Source of Truth, Jesus, guarantees that there will be problems—many problems.  Watch the news, no one is spared. We live in a fallen world and are bound to hurt and be hurt. Pursuing a problem-free life on earth is a myth. And I am a victim of that myth, hence, the resistance to trials.

It is comforting that Jesus is the one sharing this grim reality. He sees the need for us to know. Perhaps accepting the reality of trials prepares us for it and motivates us to adapt to life’s many interruptions. The Sovereign Lord has a purpose for all, including our trials.

Pursuing peace in right circumstances is also a myth.  And again, I am a frustrated victim because there are just situations that I can’t fix. I distinctly recall that prolonged season without a helper and how I repeatedly found and lost one. Oh, what peace I often forfeit searching where it is not.  Jesus is clear: peace is found in Him. Period.

Accept that life is not problem-free. Know that Jesus is aware of every difficulty we face and seek His response.

The Response.  Jesus lovingly instructs us, “Take heart”.  He foreknew that many would struggle in this area. Other versions say, “Not to lose heart, to be of good cheer, to be brave.” Obviously, when I get disheartened, when I fret, when I get provoked by trials, I am not taking heart.

There is a similar explanation of the idiom from blurtit.com. “The words "take heart" are used together as an idiom that encourages one to be brave and courageous. It is a way of telling another that all is not lost and to keep hope. It is used when one seems to be giving up hope or facing dreadful odds.”

How is it possible to respond supernaturally? How is it possible to overcome the temptation to lose heart and any other temptation for that matter? “Because,” Jesus says, “I have overcome the world.” The strength to overcome is found in God and our knowledge of who He is.

Take heart, for with God all things are possible. He is for my welfare and not against me. He faced every temptation I have and is greater than the Tempter. He has sealed me with His Spirit and has promised to never leave nor forsake me. He is able to work all my trials out for good, and has a tearless eternity in store for those who believe.

I have fumbled, but am now learning as a trial comes, to make Jesus, my first stop. I thank Him for always being in control and declare my trust in Him. Focusing on who He is decreases the size of any threat.  The trial loses its power to harm me, enabling me to face the situation with renewed hope and courage.

The Reward.  Trials have a way of revealing the condition of my heart. What are my fears? What am I clinging to apart from Christ?

As I mull over the last five lines of Jesus, “I have overcome the world,” I repent over the times that I have allowed the world and what it represents to take center stage, rendering it more important, when it is alas, but a defeated foe. How insignificant it is in relation to the immensity of Christ, the final authority over all things. How He is far more valuable than anything this world offers.  He is the prize.  

When problems knock on our door, the Lord of the universe invites us to face it together. Take His yoke that is easy, and his burden that is light. Take heart, like He did when He walked this earth and experience Christ in you, the hope of glory!