Yesterday’s devotional started a conversation about God’s purposes in our suffering. We’re going to continue today in part two. I’ll post a link to part one in the comments.
Sometimes trials are a means of discipline in our lives – I know this one well. The psalmist declared, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your Word” (Psalm 119:67). Hebrews adds, “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” (Hebrews 12:11). Trials that come as a consequence of our sinful and foolish behavior are meant to teach us valuable life lessons. Or as my mother said, “Bought lessons stay with you longer than taught lessons.” If you can connect your trial to your actions, take that as a means of discipline and training. The writer of Hebrews also said that discipline identifies us as God’s true children. “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” (See Hebrews 12:5-10). Discipline means that God is being a good Father to you.
Our trials reveal God to the world. When Jesus and His disciples encountered a man who had been blind from birth, He said, “This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3). When the Lord healed this man everyone knew it, and he became a living testimony to the power of God. You and I are the canvas on which God paints His own portrait for the world to see. Just as silver and gold show up most brilliantly against a dark backdrop, the power and glory of God are on vivid display in our trials. Our difficulties become the means by which God shows up and shows off.
Beloved, I don’t know what trial you are facing today, but I know that God has brought you to it for a good purpose. He is at work in your life, stretching your faith, moving you into His will, preparing you to minister to someone else, teaching you discipline, and making your life a display of His glory. Every trial is an opportunity for you and me to draw closer to our Father, to walk by faith, and to point others to Him. Yes, we can count it all Joy when trials come, because we know God has a purpose and a plan – and we will be the richer for it.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Deeper Roots 
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