Written by Kara Benson, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Little Rock, AR
Paul wrote, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Rom. 8:17). As part of God’s family, we have the privilege of being fellow heirs with Christ, as well as the calling to share in Christ’s sufferings. The author of Hebrews wrote that Jesus learned obedience and was perfected through suffering (Heb. 5:8). In a similar way, enduring hardship as discipline refines us (Heb. 12:6-11).
Trials are constructive because they strengthen our faith. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).
Trials are beneficial because they help us to comfort others. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).
Trials are blessings because they can reveal areas in which we need to grow. When we are tested, we might realize that we are not quite as patient as previously thought. Hardship can humble us and make us recognize our need for Christ. When pushed to our limit, God may be teaching us that we need to grow in gentleness and self-control.
“God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:10b-11). God is a Good Father, and He disciplines those whom He loves (Prov. 3:12).
Trials are opportunities to glorify God. Because of an illness, Paul was able to preach the gospel to the Galatians (Gal 4:13). Jesus taught that a man was born blind “so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3). Although Paul suffered with a thorn in his flesh, he praised our Savior: “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor 12:9b-10).
Being part of God’s family means being refined through fires. We may not understand why we face specific trials in this life, but we can trust that God causes all things to work for good for those who love Him (Rom 8:28). We can also trust that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16: 33). May God be glorified in the midst of our trials.
I am thankful to be a part of God’s family. I am thankful to be part of this refining process. And I am thankful that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23).