ETERNITY

[Ranb2khz]

Responding to Hardship

~ Trials are an opportunity to see God work on our behalf in ways we can’t imagine.

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

When you are going through a trial, what’s your first response? Do you want to run away as quickly as possible to escape it? Though that’s a normal feeling, God has a different way. It is not the trials in our life that develop or destroy us, but rather our response to those hardships. How, then, should we react when difficulties feel overwhelming?

• First, trust God:

God wants His children to believe His Word and reflect on ways He’s been faithful in the past. He assures us that He limits our trials [or temptations] and enables us to endure.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it." ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

• Second, persevere:

Even when we don’t understand and the pain seems too much to bear, we shouldn’t quit. We’re to continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. So, let’s cling to hope in Christ and praise Him in the midst of the pain.

• Third, remember the Lord is in control:

He allows adversity for a reason and demonstrates His sustaining power through it. Even though the pain might feel intolerable, God will never leave our side. Scripture compares our growth to gold, which is refined through fire.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 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." ~ 1 Peter 1:7

We will encounter difficulties — sometimes intense and painful trials that seem too much for us. Yet we can rely on our heavenly Father to deliver and guide us in ways we could never imagine. He doesn’t expect that we endure on our own, but He does want us to respond with faith.
________________

~ published by: In Touch Ministries

https://www.intouch.org/read/daily-devotions/responding-to-hardship






•