HONEST CONFIDENCE
As I take inventory on my own personal spiritual progress, one of the areas I see God most growing me is how I think about, and respond to, trials in my own life and in the lives of those I love. My natural instinct is to try to fix things. That coupled with a strong sense of justice has often produced in me more a sense of questioning than trusting, and more a desire for change than acceptance. But God … He has reshaped my heart by His Word and the precious promises that instruct His children to embrace trials, knowing we have a God who “does all things well” (Mark 7:37). These four texts have done the majority of the heart-shaping in me:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:1)
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” (Philippians 1:29)
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
“For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11b)
I don’t have to enjoy watching people I love suffer, nor do I run needlessly into trials of my own making, but I have come to appreciate the way God works to accomplish His purposes through the loving tool of suffering. I can be honest about the hurt and heartache, the devastating effects of sin on humanity, and the loss that always accompanies trials. And at the same time, I can watch with confidence the powerful working of the Spirit to refine, shape, and sanctify my own heart and the lives of those I love. Don’t run from God’s gracious care for you, rather choose contentment with an honest confidence in your Heavenly Father’s perfect ways.
