Devotionals

Why Does God Allow Trials to Happen? Here Are 2 Reasons!

By ayu single · November 8, 2021 · 6 min read

If you hear about or see someone going through trials, often the go-to words we say are, “Be patient okay...” Those words may come out because we do not know how to comfort and strengthen someone who has been struck by such a hardship. Perhaps you also cannot understand the feelings of loss or sorrow they are suffering, because you yourself have never experienced what they have gone through.

But if you yourself are the one facing a trial, you certainly understand how far from easy, painful, heavy, and even suffocating that trial can be. There may be times when you want to run from that heavy burden. In fact, if you could choose, perhaps you would choose not to go through that trial .

But have you ever wondered, why does God give that trial? Is it because God is not good or does not love us? Or rather, does He want us to grow through those difficulties ?

Why Does God Allow Trials in Our Lives?

1. Faith Is Perfected through Trials

My brothers and sisters, count it all joy whenever you fall into various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. And let perseverance have its full effect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-4

The apostle James teaches a response that runs contrary to the way the world responds when you face trials. Usually, when we experience trials, we feel stressed, sad, or disappointed. Yet the writer of James reminds us to regard it as a joy. Why?

Because if we keep enduring and pressing on in that trial, we will gain perseverance. And when you persevere, your faith is increasingly perfected.

A True Story: Growing through Trials

I am reminded of a sister in Pontianak, a former member of my discipleship group. One day she called and told me about her life lately. She had discovered a tumor in her womb and had to go to Malaysia for surgery to remove it. She also shared how confused they were about the cost and their finances.

After praying together with her husband, eventually her husband decided to tell the boss about the problem at the place where he worked. Unexpectedly, the boss was kind enough to offer help to cover all the medical expenses while they were in Malaysia. In the end, this sister went to Malaysia to follow up on the tumor in her womb.

Once in Malaysia, this sister was again brought together with a sister who worked at the hospital where she was receiving treatment. She also admitted that she received extraordinary care from sisters in the Malaysia congregation during her time at the hospital. In the end, this sister returned to Pontianak healthy and lacking nothing. In fact, even though the doctor had declared that she would not be able to have children, several years later, this sister eventually became pregnant and gave birth.

I remember this sister’s words, “God has His own mathematical formula! God is amazing!” I jokingly referred to what she experienced as “suffering that brings blessing.”

Through that trial, this sister became more convinced that God is good. Not once did God leave her collapsed and helpless. And the trial she experienced would not test her beyond her ability. Through trials, her faith grew more and was perfected.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. – Psalm 25:10

2. The Crown of Life Awaits Those Who Endure Trials

Blessed is the person who endures trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12

The apostle James does not say, “Blessed is the person who successfully escapes trial.” Instead he says, “Blessed are those who endure trial. In this way, the crown of life will be theirs.”

What problem are you facing right now? Financial difficulties, not yet finding your rib or life partner, illness, an unharmonious family? Have you begun to lose faith and hope, and even found it hard to be joyful lately? Keep fighting and keep persevering.

In a film titled, “Cast Away” starring Tom Hanks, the plane he was on crashed into the Pacific Ocean because of a storm. He drifted at sea for three days and three nights. The sky was dark and there was no sunlight. But on the third day, after he fought and endured, the sky cleared again. The sea became calm again and the sun began to appear with its bright rays.

His struggle was not over. He was stranded on an uninhabited island and fought to survive alone with only the resources available on that island. Four years later, he was finally able to leave the island and return to his normal life. What message can be taken from that film? Keep fighting and enduring through whatever “storm” comes in our lives. The storm will surely pass.

Trials, whether large or small, are stepping stones to obtain the crown of life. Just as when you are in school, after going through learning for half a year, the time will come for you to take exams, to determine promotion to the next grade. So it is with trials in your life: when you succeed in getting through them, you will move up to the next level in life.

For this light affliction, which is but for the present, is producing for us an eternal glory far beyond comparison, far greater than our suffering. – 2 Corinthians 4:17 - Remember, the suffering you are experiencing now is nothing compared to the eternal glory you will receive later. In fact, its joy far surpasses the suffering itself! See trials as tests for “moving up a grade.” Your faith will grow, and also, there is a crown of life that He promises if we keep enduring. Take heart, we can do it!

No trial has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tried beyond your strength. When you are tried, He will also provide a way out so that you may endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

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