Treasuring Trials

By Ifeoluwa Fatoki

Devotional Reading: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, (James 1:2 NAS)

Trials are unpleasant situations in life. Moments of trials are times of anger, frustration and pain. No one wishes to have them, but they find their way into our spaces. It is also important to note that trials occur for various reasons. But more importantly, trials come to attack our faith. They come to test our conviction.

When Apostle James wrote this letter, he had the body of believers scattered abroad in mind. These were people persecuted on account of their faith, and rather than sulk in fear and regret, he writes them to cheer up. Though the trials come with pains, it also comes with opportunities. According to Scriptures, trials can be instruments of our perfection (vs 4).

More importantly, trials can draw us nearer to God even more, opening us to experience more of His person and workings in our lives. So the sickness helps us to trust Him as our Healer. The need helps us to experience Him as our Provider. The loss reveals Him as our Restorer. When we understand what God can do with our trials, then we will treasure them.

Prayer and Confession.
Lord, thank You for my trials and what You intend to achieve in me through them. I declare that I am open to Your dealings through my trials. Amen

Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18