DESTINED FOR TRIALS

THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER 2021

In Christ Jesus, we are certain to meet trials as we grow in faith. That means we are destined for it, in order to experience God's sense of inestimable glory which He has designed for us to walk in. Although some Christians wrongly understand the purpose of trial or rather miss the goal of facing it because the benefits are imperfectly communicated to them, it doesn't change the fact that it girds our faith with strength, if we continue to fill and enrich ourselves with abundance of divine truth in the midst of it.

Reference: 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 New International Version (NIV) "We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them."

If you are walking in light, it means that you've made the Word of God your guiding principle, which implies that you live by observing its teachings. However, you'll experience trials that lie in your path, according to God's plan for your faith walk. By knowing this in your inward man, you are not meant to grow despondent, stay exhausted or appear disheartened when it arises, rather you must stay sustained, encouraged and emboldened by giving yourself to prayer and to the Word of God, having such a wonderful view, that its God's will for you in perfecting your faith.

Though trials are for a moment, upon the fast-passing present, when the impact of it's purpose or the imminent benefit is attained, you can always look back and appreciate it. No wonder 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) says, "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

Beloved there is wonderful joy ahead of every trial. Therefore, just as Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage the church at Thessalonica, I equally encourage you today according to your faith, never to be unsettled by any trial you experience in your Christian life. To excel in faith, you must endure several trials which are for a little while because they come to test and show that your faith is genuine. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV) says, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." When your faith is tested by light and momentary trials, the trials serve as fire that tests and strengthens your faith and achieves for you an eternal weight of glory, because indeed, your faith is far more precious than mere gold in God's sight.

From time to time, your faith may be challenged by all kinds of circumstantial events, but always remember that every trial you face is for your advantage and to manifest God's glory through it. Acknowledging this truth will help you to learn and discover more of God's love and faithfulness in the process. Don't wish for a Christian life - free of trial - because the absence of it will weaken your faith and make you to stay lukewarm in the things of the Spirit. So you must appreciate it and be truly glad about it, when you face it. James 1:2 (NLT) reads, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Beloved, James reminds us to rejoice in trials and give due diligence to "strengthening our faith" through it and to make our calling in Christ sure. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 66:10-12; Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:3 & 12.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I honour you today because of my faith in Christ which is more precious than gold in your sight. My faith is daily sustained by your Word which flows as a spring of life within me that can never fail. Today, I joyfully acknowledge that I'm destined for trials and I'm accompanied by your grace to triumph and excel through them all because I have a glorious destiny in Christ. Thank you Father for the constant assurance of the benefits of trials which always enlarge my favour in Jesus' Name, Amen!