Trusting God Through Trials

Trusting God Through Life's Trials

Life is unpredictable. One moment, we're sailing smoothly on calm waters, and the next, we find ourselves in the midst of a raging storm. These trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of our journey, but how we navigate them can make all the difference.

Consider the story from Mark 4:35-41. Jesus and his disciples were crossing the sea when a great windstorm arose. The waves beat against the boat, filling it with water. In the midst of this chaos, where was Jesus? Asleep on a pillow in the stern. The disciples, panicked and afraid, woke Him, crying out, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

This scene paints a vivid picture of how we often react when faced with life's storms. We may feel abandoned, wondering if God cares about our struggles. But Jesus' response is both powerful and instructive. He arose, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" Immediately, the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

This miraculous moment reveals a profound truth: the One who has authority over the wind and waves is with us in our boat. No matter how fierce the storm, we are never truly alone or without hope.

Yet, Jesus' next words to His disciples are equally important: "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" This gentle rebuke reminds us that faith is not just for calm waters, but is most vital when the seas of life are rough.

Indeed, as John 16:33 reassures us, "In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (AMPC)

This promise doesn't guarantee a life free from challenges, but it does assure us of ultimate victory through Christ. Our trials, though difficult, are not beyond God's control or outside His plan for our lives.

In fact, 1 Corinthians 10:13 offers a comforting perspective: "We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously." (TPT)

This verse highlights a crucial truth: our trials are not random or purposeless. They are opportunities to deepen our trust in God and to emerge stronger in our faith.

However, it's important to recognise that what we haven't been doing before the trial will be difficult to start doing when the trial comes. The most disastrous aspect of a trial is not the trial itself, but what we believe about it. The battle in our minds can often be more challenging than the external circumstances we face.

So how can we prepare ourselves to trust God through trials? Here are five key strategies:

1. Engage with God's Word consistently: Ephesians 6:17 describes the word of God as "the sword of the Spirit." By regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture, we arm ourselves with truth that can quench the fiery darts of doubt and fear when trials come.

2. Guard your mind by fixing it on the Lord: Isaiah 26:3 promises, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." When we consciously choose to focus on God's character and promises, rather than our circumstances, we cultivate a peace that surpasses understanding.

3. Judge God faithful in every situation: Hebrews 11:11 commends Sarah, who "received strength to conceive seed... because she judged Him faithful who had promised." When we choose to believe in God's faithfulness, regardless of what we see or feel, we position ourselves to receive His strength.

4. Keep your praise up: James 1:2-3 exhorts us to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." Praise isn't just for good times; it's a powerful weapon in the midst of our struggles. Remember Paul and Silas, who sang hymns in prison and witnessed a miraculous deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).

5. Take action based on God's Word and the Spirit's leading: In Luke 5:5, despite a night of fruitless fishing, Peter says to Jesus, "nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." Sometimes, trusting God means taking a step of obedience, even when it doesn't make sense to our natural minds.

It's crucial to remember that the presence of trials doesn't indicate a lack of faith. On the contrary, it's often an indication of valid faith being tested and refined. The trials that push us closer to God are not liabilities, but assets in our spiritual growth.

As we face life's storms, let's hold fast to the truth that God is with us in the boat. He may not always calm the storm immediately, but He promises to calm us in the midst of it. Our trials are opportunities to demonstrate our trust in Him and to experience His faithfulness in new and profound ways.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of a trial, remember: the same Jesus who calmed the sea is with you. He has overcome the world, and through Him, you too can emerge victorious. Trust Him, praise Him, and watch as He works all things together for your good and His glory.