For Your Good

Consider it puree joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

She cried as her husband packed his bag for the last time. He was leaving, the divorce was final, and her heart was breaking. "Why, God?" was the desperate cry of her heart.

He had always had good health. "Why, God?" was the question of his younger sister. Why would God allow him to suffer through this cancer. "Heal him," she begged. Yet the cancer ran its course.

Why? Why does God allow us to face trials? Why doesn't he just rescue us from the pains of this life?

God sees our pains. He hears our cries and yet, he allows us to go through trials of many kinds because he loves us. It may not seem loving to allow us to experience hurt, but it is truly for our good. Trials bring us to surrender and develop perseverance in us. 

Think of it this way... Your child is enrolled in a statistics course at school. It's hard! Possibly the hardest challenge your child has faced. Do you withdraw the child when things get tough? Certainly not! You encourage the child to push through, develop study skills, and support her in the struggles. In the end, your child is stronger and more confident!

Or perhaps, your child struggles with a friendship. Do you rush in and rescue the child or do you help the child learn to stand strong and face opposition correctly? We don't rescue our children because we know that this won't be the last time she faces someone who is difficult. We know that our child will grow stronger if she learns to handle difficult people. It's for her good that we walk with her though the trial and not simply remove the problem.

God has all power to stop situations, but he doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we ask or as quickly as we desire. We don't see what he sees, but Romans 8:28 assures us that whatever he allows us to go through will be used for our good. Trials produce perseverance and perseverance develops character. 

Whatever you face, know that God is with you. He is as near as your own breath. He is fighting for you and allowing you the chance to develop perseverance in your faith. You can choose to believe truth- that he is working of your good even in the struggles- or you can give up because it's just too hard. It is my prayer that you continue on, seeking his face and trusting in his word- No matter how hard life gets!

Dear Lord, we don't always understand why you allow things to happen in our lives. Help us to persevere in our faith, to know you greater in the end, and become more like you. Amen