How To Face Trials

The natural response to trials is fear, despair, denial, complaint, ungodly compromise, vengeance, or self-reliance.  But if we are followers of Christ, we have an infinitely better option.  As new creatures in Christ (2 Co. 5:17) indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Ro. 8:9) we can face every trial with joy!

James 1:2-4 says to every believer, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

When believers face a health or financial crisis, they can count it all joy because they know that God is not callous, clueless, or incapable to address their trial, but sovereignly utilizing it to conform them to the image of Christ (cf. Ro. 8:29).

When believers are slandered, gossiped about, falsely accused, or attacked in any other way for following or proclaiming Christ they can count it all joy!  After Peter and John were arrested, tried and threatened for Christ Acts 5:41 says, “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.”  When Paul and Silas were imprisoned for Christ, they prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:25).

Why did they do this?  Because God was using it to grow them, AND they were gaining eternal reward in heaven! Luke 6:22-23 says “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”

FBC, when we are attacked, we do not need to be afraid, worry, concede to temptation, pretend like it’s not happening, strike back, or save ourselves.  NO!  In and through Christ we can rejoice!  Our God knows, cares, and is winning!