Dealing with Trials
It has been sooo long since I have written in this space! I am very technologically ignorant and have been attempting some website updates without knowing what I am doing! In the meantime, I have neglected this blog! However, there is so much God is teaching me I must share it today! For example, I was reading in both Jonah and James just today and they spoke such truths to my heart that I want to share them with you!!
I have a great number of friends and family who are struggling right now with issues-tough issues that are difficult to deal with. I do quite a bit of Biblical counseling and every session I meet gals who are wading through deep waters of anguish, sadness and confusion. Two verses in my reading just today give answers-not just trite platitudes, but real answers for all of these precious people!
In James 5:11, the last part of the verse, it says “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and see the end intended by the LORD- that the LORD is very compassionate and merciful.” Job went through horrendous trials-all allowed by God! We look at that on the surface and we can’t help but wonder why a good and loving God would allow such to happen. He is all-knowing and all-powerful so He could have stopped it, BUT because He knows the end from the beginning, He knew Job’s faith would remain and grow (recall how Job said, “Though He slay me yet will I serve Him!”). Job’s trials and his resulting perseverance had an intended end by the LORD-that end was to see the Lord’s compassion and mercy. Job’s end was better than anything he had experienced prior to the trials and that was evidence of God’s mercy and compassion. Job’s story is proof that perseverance in trials will end with our seeing even more clearly God’s mercy and compassion.
In Jonah 2:7, Jonah gave testimony of his experience while in a difficult situation. He gave evidence of more comforting truth when he said, “When my soul fainted within me (I can imagine being in the belly of a big fish would cause anyone’s soul to faint!), I remembered the LORD!” This is such a reminder of WHERE to turn when in difficult times and situations! Remember the LORD-remember His character-He is compassionate and merciful and He does not change-He is the same, yesterday, today and forever! Take comfort in that truth today! As we are now in the holiday season, may you see God real in the midst of whatever you are facing.
