Can trials really be a gift from God?

I know a lot of posts have been about trials lately, but I happen to be walking through some major storms in life, so it is healing and encouraging to work these things out, and maybe someone else out there can relate. ❤ If you can relate, big hugs to you friend. I am told it does get better ❤

What if I told you that the trials you are facing are gifts from God just as much as the sweet days without toil in them? As believers we know that God works out all things for the good of those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28 abbreviated) This means that in all things His goodness and mercy and love can be found. Even in the tough days and the times when it seems that nothing is going our way.

I was chatting with a friend today about trials and difficulty in life. Our conversation ended with this thought: you can’t spell testimony without “test”. Slightly corny, I know, but… it’s true. If you went through life just living the dream without a problem in the world and sunshine and roses every day, how deep would that testimony of God really go? Would it help those in need? Jesus came to save the lost and heal the wounded; not to give us picture perfect lives that are void of troubles.

Trials are normal, and even expected in this life as 1 Peter 4:12 reminds us: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.“ So often when I face a trial I do think of it as something strange happening. I usually approach it with: “I can’t believe xyz is happening”. It’s almost like I get trial amnesia; similar to birth amnesia. Moms who have had more than one child know exactly what I am talking about. Yep. You do.

So, now we know that trials are to be expected, and that God uses everything for our good. How can we possibly see trials as gifts? Gifts are precious and thoughtful things (or at least they usually are, those of you with dysfunctional people in your lives I don’t mean the strings attached gifts just hang in with me here.). Trials are the vessel which God uses to deepen our faith and our ability to be more like Christ. It is like a potter using a kiln to fire his work in order for it to be finished and firm for use. The potter is giving his pottery the final touch, which without it, the pottery wouldn’t be durable and useful.

If we view trials as a way that God grows us then we can clearly see how they could be a gift. To be even more clear, it isn’t really the trial itself that is a gift, it is what comes out of it (if we will let God work in our lives and speak life into our souls during the hard times). If we continue to press in and endure the trial, and seek God’s face through it; then He will surely use it to grow us and strengthen us.

Next time you face a trial I encourage you to remember to look for the gift beyond the circumstances, it is always there ❤

‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

For more encouragement on the gift of a trail check out this post written by David Mathis over on Desiring God.