Triple Threat - Trials, Troubles and Tribulation

James 1:2-4  is familiar to most of us as the passage on “testing our faith". 

 This is what James had to say: “My brethren, count [consider] it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect [mature] and complete, lacking nothing.”

In order for us to become mature in our faith, we must remain under the testing. It is in this position that we come forth [as gold] as described by Job in chapter 23. 

Many times we question God’s sovereignty as we verbalize the familiar:  “Why is this happening to me?”  “I don’t need this!”  “Not now, God!” or “I just can’t take anymore!”  

But isn’t that just human nature? Who hasn’t cried out to God in pain and utter disbelief?

Webster’s Dictionary defines the three “T’s” this way:

Trial – a test of faith, patience, or stamina by suffering or tribulation; a source of vexation (irritation) or annoyance.

Trouble – to agitate mentally or spiritually; to disturb.

Tribulation – distress or suffering as a result of oppression or persecution.

I Peter 1:7-9 says, “…Though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ… receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls.”   

Two brief character studies in God’s Word gives us a glimpse of suffering while under trials, troubles and tribulation:

Job ~ Everyone has heard of Job. Even non-believers know that to go through a “Job experience” is to endure an awful trial or trouble. We often hear the expression: “He has the patience of Job!” 

Remember the passage in James 1 (above)? There is a process we must go through as we are tested. Sometimes we hear comments like, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  Job 1:1 tells us, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” 

Job exemplifies the enormity of undeserved calamity in his testimony. Not only did Job loose his children, servants, livestock, and livelihood, but he was struck with painful boils and suffered the shame associated with his trials & tribulations. However, he never let Satan provoke him to curse God, although he cursed the day he was born. He conducted himself like a man under affliction, yet maintained his dignity in his grief. Job questioned God and received a private lesson in humility and in God's sovereignty. Eventually, God restored all that Job had lost, increasing his earthly holdings – including his lineage. For Job, the latter was greater than the former.

Paul ~ Saul (Paul) was dramatically converted by the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus as he was carrying letters of destruction for those who were of the Way [followers of Jesus] to put them to death in Jerusalem. When Jesus selected Ananias to minister to Paul after his vision, He said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”  

After that time many attempts were made to kill Paul by the Jews (Acts 10:23), the Hellenists (Acts 10:29), and with Barnabas in Antioch where they were threatened, persecuted and expelled. II Corinthians 11 enumerates for us Paul’s many trials and troubles including being stoned, beaten, shipwrecked, lashed, and left for dead. There was sharp contention between him and Barnabas while on their missionary journeys that split up the pair, resulting in Paul and Silas teaming up to minister to the Gentiles. 

At the end of his life, while in prison, Paul addresses Timothy in his two epistles. As he encouraged the young pastor, Paul remained steadfast in his faith and mission, while acknowledging that all forsook him, save the Lord Jesus. Paul endured the constant pressure of a lifetime of trials, troubles, & tribulations, and yet he saw God’s purpose and sovereignty in all of it. Paul’s victory was this: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear” (II Timothy 4:17). 

In the end, we come forth:  precious, valuable and exquisite – a true treasure of God, for His Glory!
 

A diamond must fall under the chisel in order to become a precious stone, and gold is never refined unless it remains in the fire.  

God never leaves the metal in the crucible longer than what is necessary for the burning away of the dross.  He will do the same on our behalf.

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13-14)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Triple Threat - Trials, Troubles and Tribulation

3 Lessons We Can Learn in the Storm

There are times in your life when a crisis comes and you're left feeling helpless.

It could be an untimely accident, the sudden death of a spouse, a wayward child, or a severe illness.You wonder out loud, "Lord, don't you care?" 

Of course, you know He does...but you feel abandoned and disillusioned.  The key is to remember that they are feelings, not reality.  Perception can be the very thing that keeps you from seeing the Lord at work. When we cry out to God in anguish - we often already know the answer…

Let's look at this familiar passage in Mark 4:35-41  (also Matthew 8:23-27 , Luke 8:22-25)

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was.  And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

The Sea of Galilee, also know as the Sea of Tiberias is prone to abrupt and vicious storms. This body of water is roughly 200 feet deep and sits 680 feet below sea level. Northeast of the Sea of Galilee is Mount Hermon that reach upward 9000 feet above sea level. When the cool, dry air from the summit clashes with the warm, semitropical air near the sea shore it results in chaos. The varied differences in air pressure and wind direction combine to produce a weather phenomena that in turn spawns fierce and sudden storms.

Jesus' disciples left the multitude and took Him along in the boat. He often withdrew by Himself to rest. Jesus plainly said they would cross over to the other side. In effect He said, "You will get there." He was in one fishing boat with His disciples and there were other little boats along side.

There are times when we will face problems at home with our unbelieving spouse. We are in one boat and there might be other little boats nearby. But other times we are completely alone. Your best friend isn’t there to give advice. Your Mom isn’t there to console you. Your church family isn’t there to pray with you. You are all by yourself. What do you do?

Here are three lessons we can learn in the storm:

1. Trust the One who is sovereign in your times of despair and uncertainty

Satan loves to play on our feelings of fear and hopelessness because he then uses them to isolate and control us. He is a liar and will coax you to doubt yourself and your belief in God. Your spouse will draw upon their own set of crisis management skills, but as an unbeliever, they will fall woefully short. However, as a believer you have taken Him with you (Joshua 1:5). God is always there as you make your way through your circumstances.

When a great storm arises, you can bet the boat you are in will feel like it’s sinking. The waves of anger, uncertainty, and anxiousness will beat against its hull. The water of despair will begin seeping in. Your hope will feel like it has holes in it. Whatever you do, don’t sabotage your own rescue by trying to “fix it by yourself”. 

2. Remember - Jesus is in that rocky little boat with you and He cares for you

The fishing boats they were in had shallow sides and were prone to taking on water rather easily. The scripture says their boats were already swamped. Jesus was in the stern of the boat fast asleep on a cushion (generally reserved for the helmsman). He was tired and needed rest. He had preached all day and was exhausted. However, as God, we know He never tires as Psalm 121:4 declares, “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”

Our Lord laid down His head in total peace knowing what lay ahead for them. There was no anxiety on His part and clearly He trusted His Father to preserve them. The disciples were seasoned sailors who were familiar with rapid changing weather conditions. Yet, they awoke Him, pleading with Him to do something. They were fearful and perceived they might die. Yet, you would think they would trust Him after the many miracles and signs He had done. Where was the faith they should have had in who He was?

Aren’t we just like them, demanding that God hear us while we yell, “Do You not care that we are perishing? Perhaps they remembered the writing of the sons of Korah in Psalm 44:23, “Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not cast us off forever.”

3. Be encouraged... He rebukes our winds of “what if’” and He calms our "sea         of panic"

Jesus stood and rebuked the wind, and calmed the sea. Just as demons shrank upon His vocal commands to be silent, so do the elements recoil and cease. The Creator of all nature commanded them to hush and be still...

If we are to display Christ’s attributes and ride the undercurrents of peace, we must stay anchored to our hope, and let Him take control of the situation. Your spouse is observing your reaction to the crisis, and you must let Jesus shine through.

When Jesus spoke to them, it was with a gentle rebuke. How often does He do that with us? Your spirit is quickened and you perceive His loving assurance and grace. These are teachable moments which we must embrace eagerly.

The disciples were in awe of what they had just witnessed. The question they asked one another was, “Who can this be…?” Indeed, that is the question we must ask ourselves, for in its answer, we find the One who has the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

This hymn by J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918) talks about Jesus being 

our friend and protector. Stanzas 3 and 4 below speaks volume:

                                                   Jesus! What a help in sorrow!
                                                   While the billows o’er me roll,
                                                  Even when my heart is breaking,
                                                  He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
                                                
                                                 Jesus! what a Guide and Keeper!
                                                     While the tempest still is high,
                                              Storms about me, night o’ertakes me,
                                                     He, my Pilot, hears my cry.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

3 Lessons We Can Learn in the Storm