By Ann Weaver.
Two-year-old children have a reputation for always asking “why.” Why a certain item works a specific way, why someone acts the way they do, why they can’t do something they want to do. As we grow older, we learn the answers ourselves, and these questions come to a stop. But sometimes, we find ourselves asking the same thing again once we’re grown. Except this time, our questions are less easy to answer.
One of the biggest whys we often ask is about the trials we face. We know we will experience them, as Paul tells us in James 1:2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (emphasis added) He doesn’t say if we encounter trials but instead says when we encounter them. We can expect them to happen. But that still doesn’t keep us from longing to know why. Why are we experiencing this trial? Why can’t we rise above this circumstance? Why is God allowing this difficulty?
Sometimes, we believe our hardships are punishments for past wrongdoing. That could be true in some circumstances. We have examples in Scripture of this occurring, including the many times the Israelites were overcome in battle for disobeying the Lord or the death of David’s son after he committed adultery and murdered Uriah.
But that’s not always the reason why we're given trials. There are many instances in which difficult things seem to happen at random times. We then become frustrated when we find there isn't an obvious reason. Yes, we know He chastises the ones He loves (Hebrews 12:6), but the same question still persists in our heads: why?
We will never understand all the reasons God does what He does. However, a few weeks ago, this thought struck me:
What if the answer to the why for your trials is God?
When a Christian comes out of a fiery trial, they are always closer to God than they were before. They have learned to pray, to plead, and to lean on Him more than they did before. They have searched the Word for His promises, spent time with Him on their knees, and sought His comfort in the hardest of times. Instead of being angry at God, they are grateful for His love and faithfulness. Even when the trial has left unavoidable consequences they must bear.
In Isaiah 41:10, we’re told, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” This verse reminds us that God’s hand is over all and that we should lean on Him for strength. It’s an easy verse to forget during times of peace and tranquility, when we don’t feel the pressing need of leaning on Him.
So what if that’s the reason trials come? For us to come closer to God and depend on Him fully, listening to Him even when things don’t make sense. Reminding us to take our eyes off earthly things and draw closer to His love and truth. Calling us to see again that He’s the One who loves and cares about us more than any person ever could.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” When we forget this during the less tumultuous times, God may use difficult circumstances to bring us back to dependency on Him alone. Even when we are in a strong relationship with the Lord, He may bring us these trials to bring Him closer to us than before.
When you encounter these hardships, don’t pull away from God. Instead, come closer to Him. Study Scripture. Take time on your knees. Be with other Christians, giving and receiving strength through their wisdom and encouragement. More than anything, remember that God has brought you these trials for His glory and according to His plan. Even during the most difficult moments, praise Him for His goodness, mercy, and grace.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
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