Trials and Tribulations Part I: Finding joy and comfort in our difficulties

All of God's children mentioned in the Bible have all gone through some sort of trial and preparation before they entered into their calling from God. But despite the evidence we have that the LORD will pull us through what we are facing, it can still be challenging to find any sense of comfort in our uncomfortable seasons. Join me, as we explore what the Bible says about our trials and how we should perceive these tests from God.

The first thing we need to remember is God is the same God from the past, present, and future. If He parted the red sea for the Israelites trying to escape, He will surely make a way for you. If He allowed all that Job had to be taken away and then restore those things with added blessings overnight, He will surely do the same for you.

Nothing is too hard for God that He cannot do these things. So we have to have our peace in knowing that whatever God has taken away, He will restore anew with added blessings:

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Psalms 102:25-27 [25] Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. [26] They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed. [27] But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.

Next, we must understand why God puts us through or allows certain things to happen to us. It is clearly evident that The LORD uses our trials and struggles as way to equip and prepare us for our purpose in the Kingdom, and for the things that we prayed for:

1 Peter 1:6-7 [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, [7] that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

In order for us to handle the assignments God has given to us, He must shape and mold us, refine us in the fire so that we can be made perfect for the tasks He called us to.

‭James 1:2-4 - [2] My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [4] But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Jeremiah 18:4-6 - [4] And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. [5] Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: [6] “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!

Lastly, remember that God is in total control of everything. In the story of Job, God allowed the enemy to take things away from Job because He knew that He would restore everything Job had and more, but would also be able to produce a massive testimony and story for us to read and learn from.

God would never allow for something to happen to us if He couldn't produce any good from it. As Romans 8:28 says, all things work for our good. There is not a single thing that we go through that He will not use for our good and His glory. So even when it's tough we have to trust in Him and know that He has us in the palm of His hand, as He guides us through the storm.

Finally, let us pray:

And for your own reference and private study time; Here's a list of the scriptures I referenced during this devotional along with a few extra that are relevant to the topic!