Trials That Remain

What do we do when trials hit that won’t change this side of eternity? We need to remember that the same God who created all that is, loves us, and loves beauty is writing our stories. He will use it all for our good, our sanctification, stronger faith, and His glory just as He promised.

“And we know that for those who love God

all things work together for good,

for those who are called according to his purpose..”
Romans 8:28

John Newton (1725–1807) says it like this – God works all things for our advantage. I love that wording. We are in spiritual warfare, and God can use the hardest trials in our lives to take territory from the enemy.

Even as we may battle the temptation to curl up in the fetal position, if we pay attention we will see He is teaching us, guiding us, holding us, and strengthening us. We have opportunity to praise Him during the enemy’s harshest blows. In our weakness, He is strong, so our lives become showcases for Him to be seen. We usually see His working in the rearview mirror, but occasionally in the moment. The Holy Spirit directs us. His Word gives us hope. He is faithful. He is always leading us in victory.

“Even though I walk through

the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me..”

Psalm 23:4

He is guiding and protecting us. Pressing harder into the Lord is always going to be the right move. It’s a privilege, because He is the ultimate treasure – the ultimate good thing. Lord, thank You for comforting us and leading us.

In the next post we’ll look at something else that remains…