We should try to discern the positive benefits that could come about through the situation.
Ask the question, Why did God allow this to happen? Tests and trials give us opportunities to come to know God better and to bring glory to God.
The Apostle Paul stated: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom.8:18).
When we experience a trial, It is better to put our trust in God. This choice will help us to be more objective and consequently more alert to the reasons why God may have allowed the trial to occur. We must remember the the following truths:
- Gaining intimate knowledge of Christ has more value than gaining more possessions. “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ (Phili.3:8).
- Developing stronger character is more important than getting our own way “He learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Heb.5:8).
- Demonstrating self-control is more heroic than dominating wer competitors “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Pro.25:28).
- Eternal treasures are more valuable than earthly riches “Jesus answered, If we want to be perfect, go, sell wer possessions and give to the poor, and we will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matt.19:21).
- Believe and act on the Word of God.
When Jesus was tested in the wilderness, He responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture. For example, when Satan urged Christ to turn stones into bread, Jesus quoted from (Deu.8:3): “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). We can follow Jesus’ example and successfully engage in spiritual warfare by proclaiming truth in the face of tests and temptations.
Ex: Ruth when thought of going to Israel, was bold and believed on Israel God. Never give up attitude, but to face every situation. (Ruth 1:16-17).
In (Eph.6:17) Paul describes the Word of God as “the sword of the Spirit” the only offensive weapon in our spiritual armour. Jesus said: in (Jn.6:63) “The words that I speak unto us, they are spirit, and they are life.” Again in (Jn.15:7) They are also the authority by which we can claim the promises of God. Jesus said: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in we, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto we.”
But we know in Hebrews: in (Heb.4:12) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Remember God’s promise: In (1Cor.10:13) Paul says: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
- Cry out to God.
Perhaps the greatest reason God has for taking us through the trials of life, is to bring us to the firm conclusion that we need God. Ex: David, King Hezekiah (2 Ki.19:35, Isa.37:36)
- He desires to work powerfully through our lives; therefore we must learn to depend on Him.
- He alone must become our source of strength, provision, protection, and direction.
- God has the ability to protect us from every trial or distress. Instead, He often chooses to deliver us in the midst of trials.
- In (Ps.50:15) Psalmist says: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver we, and we will honour me.”
- God’s goal through our trials is to strengthen our dependence on Him.
- We must trust Him to work in the ways and in the time frame that will produce the best in our lives and also will bring glory to His name. Therefore we have to call unto the Lord in our distress, He will deliver us.
- Overcome evil with good.
The Lord Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount gave some amazing responses which shocked the entire world. The sermon on the Mount has transformed many lives in the generation to come. He gave His disciples a clear set of instructions about our response to those who makes our life miserable. (Matt. 5:44.) These directions are completely opposite to what we the world follows:
- Love our enemies.
- Bless those who curse us.
- Do good to those who hate us.
- Pray for those who despitefully use us and persecute us.
Such responses would never be a person’s natural tendency, but they do reflect the heart of God: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21).
Ex: Joseph helped his brothers in Egypt (Gen.50:20).