Life throws us curveballs-most often when we least expect it. From life circumstances to mental health struggles, we each go through trials and challenges. As Christians, we can build our lives on a firm foundation and endure the trials while we find comfort, joy, peace and strength in God. In this blog post, we will explore how to prepare for life’s trials from a Christian perspective, drawing wisdom from the Word.
Although we know trials are ahead of us, we should not live in fear. There was a period in my life where I felt like life was going so well, where there were minimal trials and all seemed to be going smoothly- maybe to smooth. I felt like God was preparing me for a hard time ahead. I know God doesn’t work according to our concept of time, but it left me wondering, how long could a good season last?
We should not live in fear of the trials ahead of us, but simply be prepared by remaing rooted in our faith. Our faith can remain constant even through the mountains and the valleys. Don’t be surprised when trails come, but rejoice and share with Christ’s sufferings. Submit humbly to the hand of God.
James 1: 2-4 tells us to persevere through trials and endure the suffering we may experience. The trials we go through develop our faith as we lean closer to God to help us get through our circumstances before us. 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us to expect trails as Christians. Trials that will refine us in our relationship with God and as disciples as we share in our sufferings with Jesus.
Knowing this, and knowing the trials and challenges Jesus suffered and overcame, how can we do anything other than submit to God’s will for us and endure challenges for His glory, not ours. Go through your trials, be honest with God as David was in Psalms 69. Let God know how you feel, call out to Him. But endure with joy, rest in God’s peace, submit to His will and come out of the valley refined and set apart.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
JAMES 1: 2-4
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
I know now that God wasn’t trying to instill fear in me- He never wants us to live in fear. But I know He wants me to still praise Him, stand rooted in Him and find joy in Him regardless of the circumstances and obstacles I will face. And so while I still find myself in a season of bliss and joy, I can prepare for whatever lies ahead of me by reading the Word diligently, by strengthening my prayer life and continuing to love others through God. Praise Him in the mountains and the valleys all the same. He is our constant, so we can remain rooted in our faith.
