Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes life takes me for such a ride that I’m not sure which end is up. During times like these, we begin to question God and begin to wonder exactly what He’s doing. Such thinking isn’t wrong or sinful. The Psalms are replete with David crying out to God and wondering what exactly God is up to.
If someone were to stand trial, accused of a crime, the trial is to determine whether the charges are true or false, whether the person is guilty or innocent. Often, our faith is put on trial to determine whether it is a genuine or counterfeit faith. First Peter 4:12–14 says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” In other words, “Knuckle up. Tough times are coming!”
During difficult and troubled times, there are a few key truths that we should keep at the forefront.
1. God Is in Control
Sometimes we refer to God as being sovereign, that’s one of His attributes. Sovereignty is a word that means He’s in charge of it all and He has the power to change it. First Chronicles 29:11–12 says, “Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.”
Whatever you’re going through, God knows about it, and He’s in control. It’s been said that all of our trials are Father-filtered. I can rest easier during times of trials knowing that God has a plan.
2. God Works All Things for Our Good (Sometimes)
An oft-claimed verse during trials is Romans 8:28. We’ll say, “Well the Bible says God works all things together for good!” Unfortunately, that’s not exactly what it says. You see, it’s a conditional promise: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” It’s a promise to those who love God. If you don’t love God, you can’t necessarily lay claim to this verse. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” If you love God the way He deserves to be loved, lay claim to this amazing promise from the Bible!
3. God Is Our Anchor
During the trial, during the storm, latch on really tight to God. He is the eternal, unchanging, all-powerful Jehovah God of the Bible. He is the one constant! Jobs change, relationships fade, circumstances improve or degrade, but God, and His Word are our constants! If you aren’t currently going through a trial, file this away for when you do. If you’re currently in the thick of it, write down Nahum 1:7 and place it on a 3×5 card and stick it on your mirror, in your shirt pocket or in your purse.
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; And he knoweth them that trust in him.”—Nahum 1:7
